The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) derive from the order Hemiptera and their scientific name is Halyomorpha Halys. The BMSB was first introduced to North America in the late 1990’s when it was mistakenly imported from Asia. Since then, they have become widespread across North America and are in now in most States. They were first located in the Western U.S. in 2004 when they were discovered in Oregon. Los Angeles and Orange County the BMSB has become an “established” pest, while in San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego Counties they have been “detected”. What this means is California’s crops and residents are at risk thanks to this invasive species. You don’t have to grab your hats and pitchforks and go on the hunt, but you want to be able to identify one and know they risks they carry if you ever see one. Animal Pest Management will help you identify these problem pests.
What Do Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Look Like?
Adults are approximately ¾ inch long and about the same width as they are long. Their bodies are shield shaped like other stink bugs and they come in various shades of brown on the top and undersides of their bodies. Their markings are Gray, off white, black, copper and bluish and appear marble like. BMSB are the only stink bugs who will sport alternating dark bands on the outer edge of their abdomen with light bands on their antennae. Their legs are brown with whitish banding.
What Attracts Stink Bugs in Your House?
BMSB are one of the most common stink bugs found in homes today. In the fall, BMSB begin attempting to make their way inside houses, garages, warehouses, storage facilities, sheds or anywhere else they can hunker down for the Winter. Instinctively, BMSB stick together and are known to live with thousands of other BMSB. Where there is one, you can be certain there are more. They gain access to our homes through chimneys, soffits, open windows, cracks under the door, or any other opening they can squeeze through. Their purpose is to find a space they can hibernate in until Winter is over, but often times our homes are so warm they never fully go into hibernation. You may even see them flying around a light source to keep warm.
BMSB Look Like Kissing Bugs
While stink bugs may be confused with kissing bugs due to their similar features and size, the differences in the two pests are quite notable. Conenose bugs, more commonly known as the “Kissing Bug” feed on faces and are attracted to the mouths of their victims. Kissing bugs are carriers of a parasite called Trypanosoma Cruzi which causes Chagas Disease. After a kissing bug bites the host, they can defecate at the sight of the bite which then introduces the parasite to the host and eventually turns to Chagas disease. Most people who become infected experience flu-like symptoms such as; fever, fatigue, body aches, vomiting and lack of appetite. Not everyone will be affected right away. About 25% of people infected will end up with chronic conditions that don’t manifest themselves until years later. Chronic symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, tiredness and in rare cases, even sudden death. Pets can also be infected and are frequently victims to kissing bugs as well. Kissing bugs are found in the foothill areas surrounding the Central Valley as well as throughout the desert and foothill regions of Southern California.
BMSB Inspection, Control, Removal & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Animal Pest Management offers pest control solutions for problem pests such as the BMSB. We will advise you on what steps you can take to seal up your home and deter them from entering while treating for any problem pests that may be lurking in your home. Keep your family safe this Autumn and call Animal Pest Management if you have further questions or would like to schedule your fall pest management services.
