Stink Bug Invasion

Stink Bug Invasion

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. A smelly pest appears to be establishing itself in the Pacific Northwest, raising concerns about an impending threat to crops...

BETSY BEERS ... "The pest dujour is the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. It's an invasive Stink Bug that comes to us from Asia. It landed in the Mid-Atlantic area of the country about the mid 1990's and it's been spreading throughout the U.S. ever since."

Washington State University entomologist Betsy Beers says given time, the Stink Bugs could pose a real problem...

BETSY BEERS ... "Pennsylvania, West Virginia, the entire mid Atlantic area, they had a huge outbreak in 2010 and experience pretty severe crop damage. So that is a warning, I guess, to other parts of the country that once these things sort of build to a certain level, they can be very problematic."

Beers says they aren't picky eaters, but do prefer some crops over others ...

BETSY BEERS ... "A lot of the crops we grow here in the Pacific Northwest are vulnerable to attack from the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, and among the most vulnerable, and best liked by the Stink Bugs, are tree fruits. Apples are considered one of the most vulnerable crops, but it looks as though pears may be equally vulnerable."

In recent weeks, a single trap in Yakima captured nearly 200 Stink Bugs in five days, compared to 35 all of last year.

If you think you see a Stink Bug, snap a picture and send it to your local extension office.

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