“This pest is difficult to control”: General Directorate of Food and Veterinary Medicine warns about bedbugs

The Directorate General of Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV) said this Friday that the bug species “Halyomorpha halys” is a pest that is difficult to control “as there are no effective insecticides and there is some experience, especially in Italy, in the use of parasitoids for biological control “, he emphasized.

Despite this situation, the DGAV clarifies that this species is not dangerous to humans and animals.

“[…] The DGAV clarifies that “Halyomorpha halys” is not dangerous for humans and animals. It does not bite, sting, suck blood or transmit disease, it simply emits a strong and unpleasant odor,” the statement said.

To date, no crop damage that could be associated with this pest has been reported to the DGAV.

However, he noted that a possible increase in the number of these insects could become another problem for the phytosanitary protection of crops.

According to the same note, “Halyomorpha halys” is an exotic species “that can be confused with other species of bed bugs present in Portugal” and which causes significant damage to some crops in various parts of the world. namely in fruit tree species.

In the European Union, the insect has already been found in at least 19 member states and the DGAV said its spread is likely to continue.

Portugal has a search program to identify the presence of this insect, similar to what is happening with more than 90 new pests and diseases.

The organization also warned farmers to be “particularly attentive” to the insect given its easy spread through the movement of goods, vehicles and people.

At this time of year, these insects seek refuge in crevices to survive the winter and may congregate in “large numbers” in certain areas, such as homes and barns. ‘

The DGAV is a central direct public administration service with administrative autonomy.