Kudzu bugs and brown marmorated stink bugs have been rapidly spreading across US States. Brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB) have already been detected in a number of states, up to 38 in total, including every state east of the Mississippi. Kudzu bugs have rapidly spread across eight southeastern states since the first detection three years ago. Both types of bugs threaten soybean fields. Strong fliers with the ability to hitchhike on vehicles and farm equipment, after arriving in a new territory, the bugs have the ability to overwinter and repopulate the following spring. The kudzu bug has been spreading the fastest, and it is difficult to predict how far north the kudzu bug will travel and for the brown marmorated stink bug, further expansion into the Midwest is possible. Both bugs cause feeding damage, reducing soybean yields. To reduce risk from future kudzu bug and BMSB infestations, growers must keep tabs on threat levels for the coming season, closely monitor fields and follow insect reports. For pest management, close scouting and insecticides are the best solutions. ubAlert
