Stink bug populations decline in Hudson Valley

Invasive brown marmorated stink bugs, which have historically caused agricultural damage and home infestations in the Northeast, appear to be declining in the Hudson Valley. Researchers at Cornell University's Hudson Valley Research Laboratory have observed a reduction in bug populations and fruit damage over the last eight years.

A potential cause for this decline is the introduction of the samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus). Discovered in the Hudson Valley in 2016, this tiny wasp acts as a natural predator by laying eggs inside stink bug eggs. Cornell researchers have been redistributing the wasps across New York to establish biological control, as the wasps can kill up to 80 percent of stink bug eggs in their native range.

In other regions like the Yakima Valley, residents are being warned to prepare for seasonal pests. Along with stink bugs, which typically cause crop damage during hot weather but seek warmth indoors during autumn, other common fall invaders include Asian ladybugs and cluster flies.