The invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is establishing in Wisconsin. BMSB is an agriculture, garden and home pest. Action to control populations may be needed in coming years.
An adult brown marmorated stink bug. Photo by P.J. Liesch, University of Wisconsin-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab.
BMSB is native to eastern Asia and was first officially found in the U.S. in 2001. The discovery of BMSB juveniles and the first noted pairs of mating adults in 2016 are continued signs that this invasive pest is establishing and reproducing in Wisconsin. We also had the first reports of BMSB feeding on plants, not just overwintering in structures. We expect populations will continue to increase in coming years.
A map of counties where BMSB has been confirmed or is suspected as of October 2016 was created by P.J. Liesch, University of Wisconsin-Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab and Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR.
For information about how to identify BMSB and how to manage nuisance populations check out these publications.
- University of Wisconsin-Extension
- WisContext
- BMSB look-alikes – an excellent Minnesota publication available by request.
Written by: Mike Hillstrom, forest health specialist, Wisconsin Dells (Michael.Hillstrom@Wisconsin.gov), 715-459-1371.
Recently, the DNR Urban Forestry Program and the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) recently held the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With the theme “Healthy Benefits to Enriching Your Arboriculture and Urban Forestry Knowledge,” the conference was three full days of exhibits, presentations from experts across the world, and networking events and opportunities. There was record attendance this year, beating out last year’s record of 750. This year, the WAA offered a new Utility Track of presentations that allowed members to learn more about technologies in community forestry and other topics to help those who attended.
Gravel beds, a way of holding bare root trees and extending the bare root planting season, have been growing in popularity, especially in the Midwest. Several municipalities and other organizations throughout Wisconsin have been utilizing gravel beds to plant more trees on tight budgets, diversify plantings, decrease labor and ensure sound, healthy root systems. Hudson and Racine are wonderful examples of the success of gravel beds.