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Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

  • Brown marmorated stink bug is an exotic pest that has had a major impact on agriculture in the eastern US.  
  • It has been detected in Mesa County.
  • Use the picture as a guide for identification.
  • There are many species of native stink bugs in western Colorado, some of which can become agricultural pests.
  • Some of our local species are very similar to BMSB in appearance.  
  • Look for a brown, not black or green stink bug with white bands on the antennae.
  • If you suspect you have seen BMSB please bring a specimen into the Tri River Area Extension Office.

Additional Information

Closeup photograph of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug perched on a leaf
Closeup photograph of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug with description Distinct black and white pattern around abdoment, smooth "shoulder", White bands on dark antennae.  Original photograph by Jeff Wildonger, USDA-ARS-BIIR

 

Tree-of-Heaven

  • Brown Marmorated Stink Bug is associated with crop lands adjacent to wood lots and forested areas where it is established in the eastern U.S. Tree-of-heaven appears to be especially favored by BMSB, and it is often used in survey for the stink bug.
  • We have been mapping tree of heaven distribution within the pest district boundaries in preparation for future surveys.
  • Tree-of-heaven is a weed, while not listed as a noxious weed in Colorado, tree-of-heaven reproduces aggressively from seed and should be controlled if possible.

Tree-of-Heaven report

An excellent overview of tree-of-heaven biology and control tactics from the University of Maryland.

Colorado Department of Agriculture

Photograph of a Tree of Heaven

Report Suspected BMSB

Noxious Weed and Pest Management

weed.pest@mesacounty.us