What is BMSB and where is it found
Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is an exotic insect that is not established in Australia.
Adult BMSB are about 12 to 17 millimetres long and have a mottled brown appearance. While some Australian stink bugs look similar, BMSB can be identified by the black and white bands around the edge of its body and the white bands on the last two segments of its antennae.
BMSB is native to East Asia and has spread to parts of North and South America, Europe and North Africa.
What it affects
BMSB feeds on more than 300 species including vegetable crops, fruit trees, ornamental plants and forestry trees.
It is listed as both a National Priority Plant Pest and a National Priority Exotic Environmental Pest, Weed and Disease because of the potentially significant impacts on plant industries, the environment and our way of life.
The bug is not a risk to human health, but may shelter in homes, work places and other buildings during cooler weather and can release an unpleasant odour when disturbed.
How to protect against BMSB
BMSB is most commonly found on goods arriving in Australia between September and April, which is when it seeks places to hide in the northern hemisphere, due to the cooler weather. This period is known as the BMSB risk season.
During the risk season, the Australian Government applies extra biosecurity measures to certain goods arriving from countries where BMSB is present.
You need to be aware of:
- what BMSB looks like and how it differs from our native and other introduced stink bugs – see the BMSB field guide
- the risks associated with imported goods, vehicles and machinery
- Australia’s biosecurity requirements for imported goods - Seasonal measures for Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)
- how to report suspect pests.
See more on brown marmorated stink bug
Report a concern
Everyone can play a role by reporting suspected sightings of BMSB.
If you think you have found BMSB, safely catch it and place it in a sealed container if possible.
If you have spotted BMSB with imported goods, contact the See. Secure. Report. hotline on 1800 798 636 or submit a report online.
If you find a suspected BMSB in your garden, crop or the wider environment, contact the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.