Following a bit of local news coverage about the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) and its potential to become a problem in our coastal plain region, I have received numerous contacts from local homeowners/gardeners. To date, of those that have been able to provide insect samples, none have been the dreaded critter. Most have been either our native brown stink bug, or the squash bug, which is beginning to attack squash plants throughout the region. Although damaging, we understand these insects and know how to manage them…as opposed to BMSB which would pose a much bigger challenge. So for now, the good news is that BMSB has not been reported attacking crops in our area…yet. Locals are encouraged to send in suspected samples for ID (Attn: Ames Herbert, Tidewater AREC, 6321 Holland Road, Suffolk, VA, 23437). We recommend that folks put any bugs-in-question into a zip-lock sandwich bag and into the freezer. When mailing, just pad them to prevent breakage during the delivery process.