Close X
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
ADVT 
National

Stink bug invasion: Pests thrive in B.C. heat

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Oct, 2022 09:47 AM
  • Stink bug invasion: Pests thrive in B.C. heat

VANCOUVER - An aromatic insect shaped like a shield is lurking around homes and feasting on stone fruits in parts of southern British Columbia.

The brown marmorated stink bug, an invasive species in Canada, is thriving in the province this season thanks to summer-like weather extending into the fall months, experts say.

"We've had a particularly warm, dry fall, which are perfect conditions for this stink bug," said Gail Wallin, executive director of the Invasive Species Council of B.C.

Although population counts aren't readily available, the unwelcome intruder is earning notice across the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and parts of the Okanagan, particularly Kelowna.

"We don't have the science on that yet, but what we do know is we're getting way more reports this year," Wallin said, adding that could also be because people are spending more time outside and paying attention.

The Asian insect was first detected in British Columbia in 2015, five years after making its Canadian debut in Hamilton. It has also been spotted in Quebec, Alberta and P.E.I., according to the Invasive Species Centre.

The B.C. government describes it online as a "very serious pest" that feeds on more than 100 plant species. In 2010, it caused an estimated loss of $37 million to the apple industry in the mid-Atlantic United States, the province said.

The presence of just a few adults at crush can taint wine, creating contamination issues for grapes, it said.

"The stink bug is an excellent hitchhiker and can be moved in shipping containers, wood, packing material, cargo and vehicles. It is also a nuisance to homeowners as the adults aggregate on and in buildings while seeking warm overwintering sites," the B.C. government said.

Climate change has also eased the adaptation of many new species, Wallin said. The trouble, once they're introduced, is the way they compete with native species and devastate crops without natural controls on their populations, she said.

"When you introduce any non-native species that become established, it actually disrupts the natural ecosystem, it disrupts the balance of nature," Wallin said.

The brown marmorated stink bug can be distinguished from its native counterparts by its banded white antennae, Wallin added.

So does the stink bug actually live up to its name? If you ask Warren Wong, who studied the brown marmorated stink bug while completing his master's degree at Simon Fraser University, it's not so bad.

"This might be a thing where you've got to love your work. For some people, they may find the stink bug very stinky, but for me, I don't find it repulsive at all," Wong said.

"It smells like freshly cut grass."

Wong, who has moved on to study other pests as a PhD student at the University of British Columbia, said it's most likely that the brown marmorated stink bug travelled on ships, trucks and airplanes to Canada.

"We suspect that they came through transport, essentially through trade, and most likely through multiple introductions," he said.

The population fluctuates with the seasons, with heat waves benefiting the invaders and cool winters slowing their spread, he said.

Interestingly, the same trade routes that brought the stink bug to Canada also likely carried one of its natural rivals, the samurai wasp, Wong added.

If you see a brown marmorated stink bug, the Invasive Species Council of B.C. recommends reporting the insect through its website or the iNaturalist app and being careful not to transport it.

The B.C. government asks growers and homeowners to send pictures or samples of suspect brown marmorated stink bugs to the Ministry of Agriculture offices.

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. to ration liquor sales, says ABLE BC

B.C. to ration liquor sales, says ABLE BC
The executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees says the limits at BC Liquor Stores took effect at 9 a.m. and will ration the quantity of alcohol that customers, including pubs, bars, restaurants, and the public, may purchase in a single transaction.  

B.C. to ration liquor sales, says ABLE BC

One wolf dead, one missing in B.C. zoo escape

One wolf dead, one missing in B.C. zoo escape
The zoo in Aldergrove, B.C., has been shut for three days as workers and conservation officers searched for the wolves, while Langley RCMP investigate the incident as a suspected case of unlawful entry and vandalism.

One wolf dead, one missing in B.C. zoo escape

B.C. Liberals boot MLA after 'Celebrate CO2' tweet

B.C. Liberals boot MLA after 'Celebrate CO2' tweet
Party leader Kevin Falcon says in a statement that Rustad, who represents Nechako Lakes in central B.C., has been removed for what he says is a "pattern of behaviour" that isn't supportive of the caucus.

B.C. Liberals boot MLA after 'Celebrate CO2' tweet

UBC researchers find 'weak spot' in COVID-19 virus

UBC researchers find 'weak spot' in COVID-19 virus
Researchers say exploiting that weakness could pave the way for new treatments that would be effective against all strains of the illness that has killed almost 6.5-million people across the globe since it was identified more than two years ago.

UBC researchers find 'weak spot' in COVID-19 virus

Three suspects arrested due to bear spray incident in New Westminster

Three suspects arrested due to bear spray incident in New Westminster
Police officers attended Moody Park and found three individuals matching the suspect descriptions who were arrested. A replica handgun and two cans of bear repellent spray were recovered from the individuals.

Three suspects arrested due to bear spray incident in New Westminster

Surrey Police Officer arrested by the Surrey RCMP

Surrey Police Officer arrested by the Surrey RCMP
The officer was hired by SPS in May 2022, with just over one year of previous policing experience. On Thursday, August 17th,  SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski suspended this officer with pay, pending the outcome of the criminal investigation, which is being handled by the Surrey RCMP.

Surrey Police Officer arrested by the Surrey RCMP