Stinkbug invades Idaho

A new type of pest is invading the Gem State.

The brown marmorated stink bug has recently shown up in Idaho crops after causing a lot of damage on the East Coast.

Stinkbugs are nothing new, but this particular kind popped up in 1998 and will attack up to 300 different types of plants.

Wayne Jones with the University of Idaho Extension office said so far only a few cases have been found in western Idaho, but there’s not a foolproof way to keep them from spreading.

“I imagine in time, they’ll get here, but the jury is still out as to how much damage they’re going to cause the agriculture industry,” said Jones.

Jones said there are insecticides that farmers can buy to protect themselves from the bugs.