Whether you’re a homeowner and see the brown marmorated stink bug as a household pest, or a farmer, grower or planter who knows the economic damage stink bugs are causing for the region's crops, I believe all would agree that we have to attack the stink bug infestation  head on.  As I travel the 10th District and talk with growers and vintners, I understand the devastation these insects are having, especially on apple and grape crops.  One recent study by the U.S. Apple Association estimated that nearly $37 million has been lost by apple growers in four Mid Atlantic states - Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania - due to stink bug infestations.  My office is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other researchers and scientists to find the best practices to combat the stink bug.  I held a forum in Purcellville in April 2011 featuring presentations from Dr. Tracy Leskey and Dr. Chris Bergh - two of the most respected experts on this subject. Their presentations are available below.  I hope you will check back here frequently as we continue to provide information on combating stink bugs, including the latest updates from researches and scientists across the country.

Soybean fields in 20 counties in Virginia are being found with stink bug infestations. Click here to learn more.

Press Releases

• Effort to Prioritize Research on Stink Bugs Advances (July 2, 2012)
• Greater Focus to be Placed on Pesky Stink Bugs (November 28, 2011)
• Legislation to Ensure Collaboration on Stink Bug Research In Bill Moving Through the House (July 12, 2011)
• Insecticide to Fight Stink Bugs Wins Temporary EPA Approval (June 29, 2011)
• Agriculture Bill Passed By The House Makes Stink Bugs A Priority For USDA (June 20, 2011)
• Wolf Secures Key Provisions To Fight Stink Bugs (June 2, 2011)
• Wolf To Host Forum In Purcellville On Stink Bug Infestation (March 29, 2011)

Stink Bug Forum

• Presentation by Dr. Chris Bergh
  • Look at slides 61-71 for best "practices" being examined.
• Presentation by Dr. Tracy Leskey
  • Look at slide 47 for more resources with good information.

Here are some highlights:

Additional Information

• U.S. Apple Association Report on Economic Damage to the Region

Letters to the Administration

• Letter to the USDA
• Reponse from the USDA

News Coverage

• The invasion of smelly houseguests has begun (Winchester Star)
• Stink bug crisis reaches 38 states, Pacific Coast (Washington Examiner)
• Researchers see progress in fight against stink bugs (Winchester Star)
• Stink bug spotted in more areas (Capital Press)
• Stink bugs: They're coming back (WTOP)
• Stink bugs migrating to the Deep South (The Washington Post)
• Stink Bug Research Continues (Winchester Star)
• Out of Odor: Offensive-Smelling Bugs Put U.S. Farmers on the Defensive (The Wall Street Journal)
• EPA approves use of insecticide to combat stink bugs (Washington Post)
• Wolf hosts stink bug forum in Purcellville, smelly menace attacks fruit crops in rural Va. (Washington Post)
• Attack of the Stink Bugs (Loudoun Times Mirror)
• Stink Bug Forum Offers Promise, No Immediate Solutions (Leesburg Today)
• Stink Bugs Devastating to Region's Apple Inventory (Winchester Star)
• Free Forum to Address Stink Bug Problem (Winchester Star)