Fun Facts about Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
After Brown Marmorated Stink Bug eggs hatch, the black-and-red nymphs slowly grow into dull-brown bugs—up to 14-17mm with white bands on the antennae, a white or tan underbody, and a shield-shaped body.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs are known to invade homes! Come winter, BMSBs are looking for a warm place so they can enter a hibernation-like state that lasts until spring and often finds their way into peoples' homes through open windows and doorways, in the gaps around window air conditioning units, down chimneys, and basically any crack they can find.
The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug loves plants with fruit and veggies on them, like the kiwifruit and avocados grown here in the Bay of Plenty. They suck the juice from plants and crops which damages them so much that they can’t grow anymore, and can’t be sold for food!
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs aren’t harmful to humans, however, you should watch out if you ever come across them as they release a very unpleasant odour that has been described to smell like old socks and coriander.
