Brown marmorated stink bug (BSMB) is an invasive crop pest. They feed on and cause damage to many plants including vegetable and fruit crops. BMSB poses a significant threat to agriculture in the Pacific Northwest.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Oregon

BMSB was discovered in Portland in 2004, and in Vancouver, Washington in 2010. Now it is widespread in western Oregon and Washington. The parasitic samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus) has been introduced widely. It is providing some control.

How to Identify Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Adult Brown marmorated stink bugs are marbled brown, shield-shaped bugs about 5/8 inches long. They have distinct white bands on the dark antennae, legs, and on the sides of the wings. They may migrate into dwellings in the winter. They emit a bed odor when disturbed.

Be Alert and Report Sightings in New Areas

BSMB is already present in Oregon. If you think you have spotted it in a new area, report it to the Oregon Invasive Species Hotline at:  1-866-INVADER (1-888-468-2337) or use their online reporting form.

Paper wasps (Polistes spp.) have narrow waists and are less aggressive than yellowjackets. They build nests that look like the nest shown in the photos (see above). Paper wasps are not as annoying as other wasp species when you are eating or working outdoors. Stay away from their nests and they will likely not sting you. Solutions for yellowjackets will work for paper wasps.

Bald-faced hornets (Dolichovespula maculata) are related to yellowjackets. They have white and black coloring. They build paper nests above ground, often in trees (see photo above). They aggressively defend their nests. Aerial yellowjackets (Dolichovespula arenaria) build similar nests (photo bottom right) that they defend.

Stay away from wasp nests and tolerate them, if possible. They aren’t as annoying at picnics as other species. Solutions for yellowjackets will work for both species if you need to take action.

Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are easier to live with than yellowjackets. They are less aggressive. Stay away from colonies and they will likely not sting you. Honey bees will sometimes swarm and the swarm may land on your property. You can call local beekeepers to take the swarm away. Find names and numbers of local beekeepers at Oregon Swarm Call  

Native bees such as Megachile spp. and mason bees (Osmia spp.) (see photos above) are native to the Pacific Northwest. They won’t sting you if you leave them alone.

Bumble bees (Bombus spp.) are easier to live with than yellowjackets. They are less aggressive. Do not disturb their nests and they will likely not sting you.

Some bumble bees and other bees nest in the ground as shown in the photo (see above). Often these nests will be underneath a storage shed or a crack in a foundation. If needed, seal the crack in the fall after the nest collapses.  A few species of bumble bees nest above ground as shown in the photo of the bird nest.