Pest Alert: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Apple growers should be
on the lookout for a potential new pest. The brown marmorated
stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive alien species that was
introduced to Pennsylvania about 10 years ago. Since that time,
it has spread and has now been reported in over 26 states. The
BMSB is an excellent hitchhiker and is readily moved over great
distances in cargo and vehicles. In Canada, the BMSB has not
been found yet in any crops; however, this pest was intercepted
in some shipments of imported goods coming into several
provinces including Ontario. It is likely only a matter of time
before this insect shows up in the field. The United States
Department of Agriculture does not regulate BMSB. The Canadian
Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has not formally communicated
their decision on BMSB, but since it has spread over such a wide
area in the US and because it is not possible to control the
pathways for introduction, it is very unlikely that this insect
will be regulated in Canada. Why wo