Fears over ‘invasion’ of destructive stink bugs

A STINK bug which invades homes and damages soft fruit has been trapped for the first time in the UK.

The brown marmorated stink bug, native to East Asia, can be a nightmare for homeowners, entering houses through the cracks in windows and door frames.

If disturbed or squashed, the creature releases a disgusting and long-lasting stench which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

Farmers were keen to keep the invasive bug out of the UK, but an adult has now been found in Essex, suggesting it has arrived here under the radar.

The bug, caught using a pheromone trap at RSPB nature reserve Rainham Marshes, attacks more than 100 plant species, including raspberries, apples, peaches and plums.

It feeds by sucking plant juices, which deforms leaves and fruit and can leave rotting patches on their exterior.

Where there are heavy infestations, crops can be ruined and the insect has wreaked havoc in the United States and across Europe.

Research into the stink bug within the UK is being managed by scientists at NIAB EMR, a horticultural research institute based at East Malling in Kent.

Dr Glen Powell, an entomologist at NIAB EMR, said: ‘The discovery of this flying adult of the species shows that the pest is present in the UK, and supports our concerns that the bugs may be actively dispersing in search of mates and food plants this summer.’

The bugs are approximately 17mm (two-thirds of an inch) long.

They do not like the cold, which is why they seek shelter in people’s homes.

Dr Powell said: ‘The growth of these insects is likely to have benefited from the recent warm weather.’