Invasive Pests for Fruit Growers: Oct 2, 2013

Since the last alert there have only been a few adult BMSB trap captures or sightings (of more than 20 traps we are monitoring across the state):  2 in the Amherst area of Hampshire County, 3 in the Natick area of Middlesex County and 2 in the Northborough area of Worcester County.  The Amherst and Northborough sightings are very recent and suggest that the bugs are starting to respond to the shorter days and cooler nights and start to look for overwintering sights.  These sights are likely to be sheds, garages, barns, and dead trees in the woods.  During the 2013 growing season we have seen fewer BMSB than expected and much less than in the Hudson Valley.  We have been lucky thus far. The numbers of native green and brown stink bugs have also been low.  If you think you have BMSB on your property this fall, please consult our website to identify them and for information on management: http://extension.umass.edu/fruitadvisor/brown-marmorated-stink-bug.