Stink Bugs in Skagit County Pt 1

Stink Bugs in Skagit County Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs have now been found in Skagit County, the northern-most confirmation in Western Washington.

The pests are native to Asia and have devastated crops on the East Coast for the past decade.

Don McMoran with the WSU Extension office in Skagit County says the first Stink Bug turned up in a trap about a week ago ...

DON McMORAN ... "So, we've had sightings of it going back two years ago, but we could never catch an insect to actually prove it. So, we're thankful that we were able to trap one, but now the real work begins as to, you know, what are we going to do to help protect our farmers in Skagit County as they continue to produce around $300-million worth of crops per year."

McMoran says it was really just a matter of time ...

DON McMORAN ... "Prior that, it's basically been moving up I-5. So, we did have folks call us when we were looking for it two years ago, so it was in King County. Going about five years prior in Clark County, so it was basically just working up I-5. So, Snohomish had one last year and then to us this year."

McMoran says it could be a year or two before the Stink Bugs can establish themselves which will hopefully be enough time to educate growers on the most effective ways to manage BMSB infestations.

Listen tomorrow for more the Stink Bugs in Skagit County and how seriously they're being taken.

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