What Is BMSB?

What Is BMSB?

BMSB is the abbreviation of “Brown Marmorated Stink Bug”. Known scientifically as Halyomorpha halys, this pest represents a significant biosecurity risk, particularly for agricultural production and international trade.

An invasive species of Asian origin, BMSB feeds on a wide range of plants including fruit, vegetables, grains and ornamentals. Besides causing quality and yield losses in agricultural produce, it can hide in containers, vehicles, machinery, wood packaging and other commercial cargo and be carried from one country to another.

For this reason, certain countries – Australia and New Zealand in particular – impose specific inspection and treatment requirements during defined periods in order to prevent BMSB from entering their ecosystems.

How Is BMSB Identified?

The adult brown marmorated stink bug is generally 12–17 millimetres long, brown and mottled in appearance. Its body is shield-shaped. Light and dark bands are present on the antennae and along the edges of the abdomen.

The distinguishing features of BMSB are as follows:

• Brown, marbled body pattern
• Shield-shaped body outline
• Light and dark bands on the antennae
• Light-coloured markings arranged along the edges of the abdomen
• The strong, unpleasant odour released when it is disturbed or crushed

It is not a pest known to bite people or animals. Its real danger lies in the damage it causes to agricultural produce and in its ability to travel undetected inside commercial cargo.

Why Is BMSB Such an Important Pest?

The brown marmorated stink bug feeds by sucking sap from plants. It can cause deformation, blemishing, tissue damage and loss of quality in fruit and vegetables. In heavy infestations it can render produce commercially worthless and lead to substantial economic losses.

It can damage many crops such as apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, grapes, hazelnuts, maize, soybean, tomatoes and peppers. Its wide host range, its ability to adapt to different climates and the speed at which it spreads make BMSB one of the most difficult invasive species to control.

How Is BMSB Carried with Commercial Cargo?

BMSB is not carried only inside agricultural produce. During cold periods it seeks shelter in enclosed, dark and confined spaces. Because of this behaviour it is regarded as a “hitchhiker pest” in international transport.

The main places where the brown marmorated stink bug can shelter are:

• Export containers
• Vehicles and heavy machinery
• Machine parts
• Electrical and mechanical equipment
• Wooden crates and packaging
• Palletised goods
• Metal and building materials
• Container doors, cavities and fixing points
• Sheltered sections of vessels and transport equipment

A consignment that looks clean from the outside does not mean there is no BMSB risk. The pest can hide in parts of packaging, equipment and machinery that are difficult to reach.

Why Are BMSB Measures Applied?

The purpose of BMSB measures is to prevent the brown marmorated stink bug from being carried into new countries with commercial cargo and from establishing itself in their agricultural production and natural ecosystems.

Australia and New Zealand in particular require treatment, inspection and certification for certain product groups arriving from target countries during the BMSB risk season. Turkiye is among the target risk countries designated by Australia.

The BMSB risk season, the target product groups, the accepted treatment methods and the documentation requirements may be updated periodically by the competent authorities of the destination country. For this reason, when planning an export shipment, attention must be paid not only to the product type but also to the shipment date, the loading method, the country of destination and the current regulations.

Which Goods May Be Subject to BMSB Measures?

The scope of BMSB varies by country and according to current risk assessments. In general, the following goods and cargo groups may be treated as high risk:

• Wood and wood products
• Iron, steel and other metal products
• Machinery and mechanical appliances
• Electrical machinery and equipment
• Vehicles and vehicle parts
• Agricultural and construction machinery
• Building materials
• Ships, boats and floating structures
• Open cargo and flat rack shipments
• Used vehicles and machinery

Whether a product is subject to BMSB treatment should not be determined by looking at the general product name alone. The customs tariff code, the method of shipment, the country of manufacture or loading and the current requirements of the destination country must all be reviewed together.