Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

What is the biological lifecycle characteristic of the brown marmorated stink bug regarding overwintering?

• They breed within the wall voids of homes during winter.
• Nymphs overwinter in sheltered gaps between houses.
• Only adults overwinter, passing the season dormant. ✓
• They undergo a complete metamorphosis including a pupal stage indoors.

Answer: The source states: 'only adults overwinter, passing it dormant rather than breeding.'

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A homeowner reports seeing insects in wall voids in late spring. Based on the seasonality of this species, what is the most likely explanation?

• The insects are newly hatched nymphs.
• The insects are newly emerged adults exiting overwintering sites. ✓
• The insects are a second generation of the spring brood.
• The insects are entering the home to prepare for summer breeding.

Answer: The source states: 'They emerge in spring — Ohio around early May, Pennsylvania late April to mid-May — then mate and lay eggs through summer.' and 'Adults move toward overwintering sites in early autumn... before slipping into shelter.'

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Which of the following best describes the damage potential of the brown marmorated stink bug to a residential structure?

• They cause structural damage by boring into wood.
• They can damage electrical outlets through nesting.
• They pose no structural harm and do not chew or bore into wood. ✓
• They damage structures by staining walls with excrement.

Answer: The source states: 'It does no structural harm either — it neither chews nor bores into wood and will not reproduce indoors.'

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What is the recommended timing for sealing a home to prevent brown marmorated stink bug infestations?

• Seal the home tightly in early autumn to prevent fall entry.
• Seal the home in late winter to prevent spring emergence.
• Seal the home in spring after the overwintering adults have left. ✓
• Seal the home in mid-summer before the insects emerge.

Answer: The source states: 'NC State advises against sealing tight in fall or winter, which traps bugs inside — let overwintering adults leave in spring, then seal before the next fall return.'

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According to professional recommendations, what is the most appropriate method for managing brown marmorated stink bug invasions inside a home?

• Application of residual indoor insecticides
• Exclusion and vacuuming ✓
• Sealing all gaps during the early autumn peak
• Applying topical treatments to wall voids

Answer: The source states: 'Professional Recommended: rarely — exclusion and vacuuming handle most home invasions' and 'Do not rely on interior sprays — extension programs report they are generally ineffective... and are not recommended indoors.'

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Which statement regarding the health risks of the brown marmorated stink bug is correct based on the provided text?

• They do not bite or sting, but can cause allergic-type symptoms or localized dermatitis. ✓
• They are known to pass diseases to people and pets.
• They are a significant hazard due to the toxins they inject when biting.
• They pose a high risk of anaphylactic shock to all humans.

Answer: The source states: 'It does not bite or sting... is not known to pass disease to people or pets.' and 'Some people react to the chemical it releases: Penn State notes allergy-type symptoms... Crushing one against bare skin can also cause a localized dermatitis.'

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When inspecting an unknown stink bug to differentiate the brown marmorated stink bug from a native rough stink bug (*Brochymena*), which feature should you observe?

• The presence of pale bands on the antennae and a smooth, rounded shoulder ✓
• A jagged shoulder edge and a two-pointed head
• The presence of white antennal rings and a spined shoulder
• A bright red-and-orange belly in the adult stage

Answer: The source states: 'The rough stink bug also has a jagged shoulder edge and a two-pointed head, where this species stays smooth-shouldered and blunt-headed.' and 'The most reliable marks are the pale bands on the antennae... The shoulder behind the head is smooth and rounded, not spined.'

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When identifying the nymphal stage of the brown marmorated stink bug, which characteristics are present?

• Pale green-to-blue body with white antennal rings.
• Dark head and thorax with a reddish-orange belly. ✓
• Mottled-brown shield shape with a smooth head.
• A fully winged adult with five-sided shield shape.

Answer: The source states: 'Newly hatched nymphs have a dark head and thorax and a reddish-orange belly...'

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