The Department of Primary Indistries and Regional Development have asked businesses and residents in Bibra Lake and Spearwood to help with surveillance for brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) after the pest was detected in a Bibra Lake industrial area.
BMSB are a serious pest that can cause major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and backyard plants. It can also invade homes and buildings.
About brown marmorated stink bug
BMSB is not a risk to human health, but can be a nuisance, with up to thousands of bugs entering vehicles, homes and factories for shelter over winter. It has a foul smelling odour when crushed or disturbed. The bug’s ability to hitchhike, fly and feed on a wide range of plant hosts enables it to spread rapidly when it is introduced to new areas.
BMSB can cause major damage to fruit and vegetable crops and ornamental plants. It feeds on a wide range of more than 300 plant species and its saliva causes significant damage to plant tissues and to fruit and seed production, reducing both yield and marketability.
If present on fruits produced for juice extraction, such as grapes or citrus, the insect may taint the entire batch of juice with a bad taste and smell, making it unsuitable for sale. Once established in a cropping situation, effective control is difficult.
More information about the brown marmorated stink bug can be found on the
Department of Primary Indiustries and Regional Development website.
How can you help?
Residents living in Bibra Lake and Spearwood should look out for BMSB and immediately report any suspect sightings to the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development on 9368 3080. This includes local businesses and residents.
You can also take a photo and send using MyPestGuide™ Reporter (
download the app or
make online report) or emailing
[email protected].