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WSU: Stink bugs infesting Puget Sound region

The brown marmorated stink bug is characterized by alternating light and dark marks on the edge of its back and alternating light and dark stripes on its antenna. This stink bug could do a lot of damage to the state’s fruit and vegetable crops. (Washington State University)
Associated Press
The brown marmorated stink bug is characterized by alternating light and dark marks on the edge of its back and alternating light and dark stripes on its antenna. This stink bug could do a lot of damage to the state’s fruit and vegetable crops. (Washington State University)

PULLMAN – Researchers for Washington State University are being deluged with reports of brown marmorated stink bugs, especially from western Washington.

Entomologist Michael Bush said he has received 300 reports in three weeks about the smelly creatures.

He said the majority of stink bug sightings are from King, Pierce and Thurston counties, with sporadic reports coming eastern Washington.

Bush said the bugs move indoors during the winter months, and now are trying to get back outside.

Marmorated stink bugs gorge on vegetables, fruit trees, nuts and ornamental plants.

They inflicted millions in damage to agricultural crops in the Mid-Atlantic states in 2010, the same year they were first detected in Washington state. They have been found in 21 counties across the state.

WSU is among 18 universities monitoring the insect’s spread.