DPI hunting for escapee Brown Marmorated stink bugs near Glendenning

People living in and visiting the Glendenning area in Western Sydney are asked to keep an eye out for the Brown marmorated stink bug following the detection of the invasive insects at a warehouse.

The bugs can be variable in colour, but generally have a mottled brown coloured body with alternating light and dark bands on the antennae, legs and the side margins of the abdomen, and emit a bad smell when disturbed. 

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They grow to about the size of a five-cent piece, and are not usually found in Australia. 

The warehouse and consignment has since been fumigated and a Federal-state surveillance operation has begun.

DPI said an arsenal of traps and lures are on their way from Tasmania and the US, which may be placed in residents’ backyards. 

Director of plant biosecurity and product integrity, Dr Satendra Kumar, said the bug eats a wide range of plants and can cause damage to vegetable crops, fruit, and ornamental trees. 

“People can help us look for Brown marmorated stink bugs by inspecting plants in their gardens,” Dr Kumar said. 

“They are large bugs that can give off an unpleasant odour when disturbed”. 

If you think you have found a Brown marmorated stink bug, catch it in a container and call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Clear photos can be emailed with a brief explanation of where you found it and your contact details to biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au We appreciate your assistance with this important surveillance activity