Battling USDA's top-ranked invasive insect

Wikipedia.org
 credit: David R. Lance, USDA APHIS

The brown marmorated stink bug causes problems not only farmers and gardeners, but can be a problem for anyone who lives in a building at some point...so...everyone. This invader from Asia was accidentally introduced to the United States, and was first discovered on US soil in 1988. Theys aggregate to overwinter, and can find their way into homes. They don't bite, or spread disease, but they do leave behind a foul odor when disturbed. In addition to being a house pest they cause severe economic damage to fruit and vegetable crops.

Being ranked as the top "invasive insect of interest" by the USDA has lead to a large mass of research. Scientists from a laboratory in Beltsville, WI have identified an "aggregation pheromone" which could be used to trap the bugs and curb their population growth. The pheromone is released by the male bugs as they feed and it attracts adults and nymphs of both sexes. Other molecular research is being conducted as well to find out which genes could be targeted to control the pest.

Ohio State University also maintains a data collection program with a map where the stink bug has been detected in Ohio: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Data

OSU FACT SHEET

Sources:
Combating USDA's Top-ranked insect
Penn State fact sheet
UofMaryland fact sheet

Insect in the Spotlight: Beech Blight Aphid

The beech blight aphid (Grylloprociphilus imbricator) can be commonly seen this time of year on American beech trees. This species of woolly aphid forms dense colonies on the branches and leaves of the trees. Last weekend they were very noticeable at Wooster Memorial Park where we were hiking. At the time I was not sure what species of aphid they were and we kept ourselves amused for some time poking and shaking the branches to watch the aphids "dance". What we were actually observing was defensive behavior in which they raise their abdomen and sway from side to side when disturbed.

(c) Joe Boggs ( http://bygl.osu.edu/content/return-engagement-boogie-woogie-aphid-0 )

Check out the video posted below (source: YouTube):

These aphids are not a significant risk to the health of the tree, and often deposits of sooty mold will form where the aphids have left honeydew behind.

Sources: bygl.osu.edu, extension.umass.edu, wikipedia.org

Insects in the News

Photo provided by the Idaho State department of Ag.

Another invasive insect has been detected in the United States recently. The elm seed bug has been found in southwestern Idaho and although it is not a threat to trees, it often enters buildings in large numbers. This new invasive insect adds to the growing list of insects which find their way into our homes. Other insects that are known to get into homes and cause a nuisance are the multicolored Asian lady beetle and the brown marmorated stink bug. The elm seed bug gets into homes during the summer to escape the heat and stays there throughout the winter. These insects are not a health risk, but they can have an unpleasant odor, and also can enter homes by the hundreds causing serious distress for homeowners. The native range of the elm seed bug is southern Europe and the mechanism of their arrival is still unknown.

While there have been no reports of this insect in Ohio, the Department of Agriculture has recived calls from people claiming to see the bug in South Carolina, West Virginia, Illinois, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Montana, Nevada, Connecticut, California, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon.

Be on the look out for these bugs, and keep in mind that there is another home invader that looks similar, the boxelder bug. (Fact sheet with info about boxelder bugs)

Sources: Washington Post article, ABC News article

Insect of the Week!

Wheel Bug: Arilus cristatus

The wheel bug is a member of the family: Reduviidae (assassin bugs). These are beneficial insects since they feed on soft bodied pest insects such as caterpillars. They stab prey with their proboscis to inject salivary fluid which dissolve soft tissues. It has been noted that while these insects generally avoid contact with people, they can give a painful bite if they are handled roughly.

These insects are easiest to spot during mid to late summer.