The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB, Halyomorpha halys) is an agricultural pest endemic in China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. It has spread to the USA, Italy, Hungary and 14 other European countries, with major outbreaks in Italy and Georgia. It is highly invasive and may attack over 400 host plants, causing higher production costs in horticulture, forestry and arable crops. Increased pesticide use, lowered yield and premature fruit drop are common effects. Adult aggregations present a significant risk, invading cargo, storage areas, homes and vehicles.
While it has not become established in New Zealand, BMSB is frequently intercepted at the border. It has been detected arriving on ships, in cargo, in personal effects and even inside mail items from overseas.
