The Mississippi State University Extension Service has been getting several phone calls about brown marmorated stink bugs invading buildings in search of overwintering quarters.

Extension officials say the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is a non-native stink bug that has been established in northeastern states since 1998. Now, they are becoming a bit more common in Mississippi, especially in the northern part of the state. In areas where they occur, BMSBs become serious household pests in the fall by invading homes and buildings in large numbers.

What can you do?

• Exclusion, making the house as bug-tight as possible, is the best means of preventing buildings from being infested by brown marmorated stink bugs, as well as other fall-invading insects such as paper wasps and Asian lady beetles. Click here for more information on physical exclusion.
• In cases where large numbers of stink bugs are accumulating on exterior walls, direct and residual sprays with pyrethroid insecticides, such as zeta-cypermethrin, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin or cyhalothrin can be used to kill or repel stink bugs before they can get inside. Be sure to read and follow label directions.

If you have a BMSB infestation, notify your local MSU Extension office. This will help extension officials gain a better understanding of the possible extent of BMSB establishment in the state.