Brown marmorated stink bug

You will spot brown shield-shaped insects about 1/2 inch long on fruit, leaves, and stems during late summer and fall. These bugs pierce plant tissue with straw-like mouthparts and suck juices, causing dimpling, distortion, and decay in fruit or seeds. Look for them on serviceberry, hawthorn, mahonia in warm microclimates.

Remove and destroy infested fruit or seed heads before bugs disperse to overwintering sites. Knock bugs off plants early morning when sluggish into soapy water. Protect high-value crops with row covers before bugs appear. Encourage parasitoid wasps by reducing broad-spectrum insecticide use. Organic spinosad provides control; chemical treatment rarely justified for ornamentals.