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OMU expert predicts decline in brown marmorated stink bug population within a decade
Tolga İhlas News Agency (İHA) 06 March 2026, Friday - 15:53 Updated: 17 March 2026, Tuesday - 15:53
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Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Agriculture, Head of the Department of Plant Protection Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan stated that the brown marmorated stink bug population has reached its peak, adding, “Its population will gradually decline and reach a natural balance within 8–10 years, making it easier to control.”

Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan, Head of the Department of Plant Protection at OMU Faculty of Agriculture, made evaluations regarding the stink bug pest, which has been among the most significant problems in the Black Sea region in recent years and has caused major damage to agricultural areas. Stating that the brown marmorated stink bug population has reached its peak, Saruhan said, “By obtaining up-to-date information from reliable sources and implementing the correct practices, we can protect our crops from the damage caused by this pest.”

“Its population will gradually decline”

Noting that it has been eight years since the brown marmorated stink bug first entered Türkiye and that its population has increased each year to reach a peak level, Saruhan stated: “I believe that it is currently at its peak population level. This is because it has exhibited similar behavior in countries it previously invaded. The brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species and rapidly reproduces and spreads in the countries it enters. It is almost impossible to completely eradicate it. However, with the measures taken and the increase of its natural enemies in the ecosystem, the population of the pest will gradually decline. Based on the strategies implemented so far and the correct practices to be carried out, I anticipate that the population of the brown marmorated stink bug will begin to decrease from these years onward. As it gradually declines, it will reach a natural balance within 8–10 years, making its control easier.”

“Biological control is the most effective solution”

Stating that the native habitat of the stink bug is China, Japan, and South Korea, Saruhan explained that it does not cause significant problems in these regions due to the presence of sufficient numbers of samurai wasps. Emphasizing that a large number of samurai wasps have also been released in Türkiye, Saruhan said: “The control of the brown marmorated stink bug becomes effective when it is planned by taking into account environmental conditions, the biology of the pest, and the growth stages of plants. In many countries, the production and release of samurai wasps are being carried out. Türkiye has imported the samurai wasp and is successfully implementing this step. For the samurai wasp to significantly control the brown marmorated stink bug within the natural balance, it is estimated that a period of approximately 10 years is required, provided that the method is applied successfully.”

Measures farmers should take

Explaining the measures that farmers should take in combating the stink bug, Saruhan also highlighted common mistakes. He provided the following information: “Producers should initiate chemical control when they observe the brown marmorated stink bug in sufficient numbers on their crops. They should use licensed pesticides at the appropriate time and dosage. While combating the stink bug, they should avoid practices that would disrupt the natural balance. They should obtain accurate information about the brown marmorated stink bug from experts and relevant institutions.”

Drawing attention to frequently made mistakes, Saruhan stated: “Farmers may also make errors in combating the stink bug. First of all, they should not use chemicals against the pest in enclosed spaces such as harvested products and overwintering areas. Especially during the egg-laying period of the stink bug. Otherwise, instead of taking precautions, they may worsen the problem.”

Should we leave stink bugs in soapy water?

Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan also evaluated the recently circulating claim, “Do not kill stink bugs; collect them with a vacuum cleaner and leave them in a container filled with soapy water,” stating: “I believe this refers to brown marmorated stink bugs that enter homes to overwinter. In this regard, I can say the following: Due to the aggregation pheromone they release, especially from autumn onwards, brown marmorated stink bugs gather and enter houses and shelters to overwinter. At this stage, in practice worldwide, collecting adults (by hand, sweeping, or using a vacuum cleaner) and eliminating them mechanically (here, elimination means killing the pest; it can be buried in soil, killed in soapy water, crushed, or similar methods) is applied both to eliminate the discomfort caused by their presence in homes and to help reduce the overall population.”

Prof. Dr. İslam Saruhan also added that significant progress has been made nationwide in combating the brown marmorated stink bug.