The Southern Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) working group was established to enhance the development and implementation of IPM for BMSB in the southern region of the US based on its biology, phenology, behavior, and ecology. Our group complements the efforts of the existing BMSB working group in the Northeast.

With BMSB moving into the Southern region where there is a great diversity and abundance of hosts, conventional and organic growers have growing concerns regarding the future impact of this invasive pest on cropping systems in the region. Indeed, previously established economic thresholds for stink bugs in southern field crops may need to be redefined for these crops. Further, homeowners and the pest control industry in this region have an increasing interest in IPM for BMSB. Also, there is great demand for educational materials that explain BMSB ecology in urban and agricultural landscapes.