Climate change could cause a pest to become even more widespread.
Changing weather can increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug by 70%. The data from the stink bug monitoring effort in 17 states is used in the study. The insects will thrive in a new place if the conditions are right.
The fact that you can grow chickpeas, lentils or wheat without pests now doesn't mean that you won't have them in a few years, according to the study lead author. It's wise to prepare for change, but there are things we can do.
There is a likelihood of a northward shift in stink bug friendly conditions. The Mid-Atlantic, areas surrounding the Great Lakes, and the valleys of the West Coast are likely to be affected by the storm.
The brown marmorated stink bug likes to feast on nearly 170 different plants. The type of stink bug originated in Asia and has since spread coast to coast. In 46 states it has been found and considered a pest.
The brown marmorated stink bugs can be seen in homeowners homes. The study found that proximity to populated areas helped the insects get established in new places, but once there, they didn't need to be near people to grow. Availability of water was more important for their abundance.
It is possible that people inadvertently transport stink bugs in vehicles or farm equipment to areas that would otherwise be difficult for them to reach.
Climate change is bad for stink bugs if the land becomes too dry. The researchers said that changing precipitation patterns will affect where the stink bugs will thrive.
The samurai wasp is being used to control stink bugs in some states. The was laying their own eggs. The wasp is able to eat stink bugs when they hatch. Measures like these might help keep stink bugs out of new places.
For growers in Washington, the researcher recommended that they use the Decision Aid System, a web-based tool which provides information to help prepare for changes to their agricultural systems.
If growers have never had the brown marmorated stink bug in their fields, they should visit stopbsmb.org to learn more.
The climate is changing, so growers need these types of tools, even if they learn from their parents.
More information: Javier Gutiérrez Illán et al, Evaluating invasion risk and population dynamics of the brown marmorated stink bug across the contiguous United States, Pest Management Science (2022). DOI: 10.1002/ps.7113 Journal information: Pest Management Science
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