17.10.2025 20:31
Professor Dr. İslam Saruhan stated that the brown marmorated stink bug, which has become a nightmare for the country, is currently at its peak period. Saruhan said, "We are approaching the peak right now," and added, "This is why we are seeing a lot of brown marmorated stink bugs at the moment. It is almost impossible to completely eradicate them. They will decrease over time."
Professor Dr. İslam Saruhan, a faculty member of the Plant Protection Department at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ), stated that the brown marmorated stink bug is currently in its most intense period, saying, "We are approaching the peak point right now. This is why we are seeing a lot of brown marmorated stink bugs at the moment. It will decrease over time."
The invasive species brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), which has been increasingly observed in agricultural areas and residential places in Turkey in recent years, is experiencing its peak population this year.
While biological control efforts against this pest, which damages many agricultural products, especially hazelnuts, are ongoing, experts are particularly emphasizing the spring months. According to experts, this insect is not cold-resistant, so it largely dies naturally during the winter months; however, individuals emerging from hibernation in March and April pose a serious threat for the new season.
"WE HAVE NO CHANCE OF ERADICATING THIS BUG RIGHT NOW"
Professor Dr. İslam Saruhan explained the reason for the recent high visibility of the pest commonly known as the "brown marmorated stink bug" among the public. Saruhan noted that it has been about 6 years since this pest entered Turkey, and currently, the population has reached its peak, emphasizing that there is no need to panic. He stated that the brown marmorated stink bug is an invasive species that multiplies rapidly in the countries it enters, saying, "This bug has a high reproductive capacity, and due to its unique behaviors, it is almost impossible to completely eradicate it from the countries it invades. However, it is possible to protect our products with the right methods."
"SAMURAI WASPS ARE BEING RELEASED INTO NATURE"
Professor Dr. Saruhan mentioned that "samurai wasps" are being produced as part of biological control against the brown marmorated stink bug and that this beneficial insect is being released into nature, stating, "The samurai wasp parasitizes the eggs of the brown marmorated stink bug, preventing its reproduction. As this wasp multiplies in nature, the stink bug population will gradually decrease."
"AMERICA HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR 35 YEARS"
Saruhan emphasized that America has been fighting this pest for 35 years, stating, "America is currently preventing the bug from entering hibernation sites. Because this bug is not cold-resistant. Those left outside in winter die. Therefore, it is very important to prevent them from entering shelters and homes. Entry points should be closed, and isolation should be ensured."
"WINTER SPRAYING IS NOT RECOMMENDED"
Saruhan stated that chemical spraying during the winter period is not effective, saying, "Research shows that 50-80% of the bugs entering hibernation sites are already dead. It is unnecessary to intervene with bugs that are going to die anyway. Our main target should be the bugs that emerge from hibernation in March and April."
"BUGS ENTERING HOMES ARE HARMLESS"
Pointing out a common misconception among the public, Saruhan stated, "The brown marmorated stink bugs that enter homes do not harm humans, pets, or belongings. They do not bite or transmit diseases. However, eliminating them in the house contributes to the reduction of the population," he explained.
İslam Saruhan added that citizens need to act consciously and that this pest can be controlled through biological control methods without disrupting the natural balance.