**For this reason, farming professionals in Quebec regions along the American border are keeping a sharp eye out for new insects. They regularly survey fields in accordance with conventional monitoring procedures to ensure that no unknown pests have settled in the area. **
Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs Are Harmful to Crops
Ten years ago, this method led to the discovery of a pest that had never been spotted before in Quebec, in a Montérégie orchard a few kilometres away from the American border. The large, shield-shaped insect with brown mottling was collected and dubbed brown marmorated stink bug, or Halyomorpha halys for Latin enthusiasts.
Soon enough, it was found to potentially cause significant damage to Quebec fruit and vegetable operations. Brown marmorated stink bugs feed on many crops, namely soy, corn and fruit such as tomatoes, apples and grapes. One major concern is that they are highly mobile and can switch hosts several times in one season, which compounds the damage to farming areas.
Populations Remain Under Control for Now
Fortunately, our cold winters are keeping brown marmorated stink bugs out of most Quebec regions. We must still keep a sharp eye out for them in the field, as increasingly mild winters can increase their survival rate.