KEARNEYSVILLE, W. Va. - Researchers believe they have identified where brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) gather in natural landscapes during winter, and their findings could help farmers manage this invasive insect, the Northeastern IPM Center reports.

Doo-Hyung Lee, a postdoctoral research associate with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, wants to understand the risks to growers from BMSB overwintering in natural landscapes.

"We know BMSB aggregate inside human-made structures in very high numbers," Lee said. "However, in the natural landscape, BMSB are spread out. They can be anywhere. They can remain unchecked by any management strategies, spreading randomly and building their population."

If researchers could better understand stinkbug behavior in the natural landscape, they may be able to develop a defense strategy for growers whose farms are located near woodlands, according to Lee. He and his colleagues ventured into the woods to gather information first-hand.

Read the full story at NortheastIPM.org.