How to Control the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) adults primarily overwinter inside protected shelters, such as homes and not in the leaf litter as many other species of stink bugs. The adults begin moving to their overwintering locations in early-mid September and continue until the first frost. During the winter, they do not reproduce and feeding, if any occurs, will be minimal. They are plant feeders and will not bite people or pets.

To control BMSB, the best method is to prevent them from entering. Placement of screens over windows, doors and vents, removal of window air conditioners and caulking cracks in windows and doorframes will deter the adults from entering. Removal of window air conditioners is important, as numerous BMSB will enter this way. If small numbers occur indoors, they can be removed either by hand or by using a shop-vacuum.

If large numbers are observed or have been observed in previous years, you may wish to contact your local pest control company who can do a perimeter pesticide spray. This must be done at the appropriate time (when the insects first appear) and control may be difficult to achieve. It is important to consider the effects of pesticides in your home before any pesticide applications occur. You may also purchase and apply insecticides yourself. Rutgers University has screened numerous insecticides against adult BMSB. The following is a table of insecticides that have shown to cause significant mortality in laboratory studies at Rutgers University and are available for use. Please follow label instructions, as well as proper safety and application procedures. The following active ingredients may be effective against BMSB:

*Exterior use would include siding, brick and foundation
** Read label for specific vegetables this product is used for

Please note that these active ingredients have only been tested in the laboratory; formulated products have not been evaluated and may not be effective.