Evaluation of Exclusion to Prevent Indoor Infestations of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Abstract

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs (BMSB) are invasive insects that damage plants outdoors and overwinter inside structures. Pest management professionals receive calls about this and other overwintering pests in the spring and fall, when pests attempt to exit and enter structures, respectively. Restrictions on where pesticides can be applied and the timing of applications for effective control complicate prevention of indoor overwintering pest problems using insecticides. Furthermore, once pests are indoors, there is not much to be done. Technical resources often indicate that long-term management of overwintering pests can be achieved through physical exclusion around doors and windows. However, the scientific data to support this recommendation is lacking.