Building an army to stop a stink bug invasion

About this episode

The episode discusses efforts to combat a potential invasion of Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs in New Zealand using Samurai Wasps.

In the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert there's a particular brand of doomsday prepping going on. Our Changing World visits the Bioeconomy Science Institute to meet some scientists figuring out how to build an army of Samurai Wasps just in case Aotearoa is invaded by Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more. Learn more: MPI's website has more detail on the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and what to do if you find one. From December 2025 a new biosecurity inflight video about being vigilant is being played to incoming visitors. Our Changing World did a deep dive into the impact BMSB would have on New Zealand, back in 2019. Guests: Dr Gonzalo Avila, Senior Scientist - Biological Control, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited Karina Santos, Senior Research Associate, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited Dr Scott Sinclair, Manager, Operational Readiness - Plant & Environment, Biosecurity New Zealand Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

People in this episode

Guests: Dr Gonzalo Avila, Karina Santos, Dr Scott Sinclair

Topics covered

• biosecurity
• invasive species
• scientific research
• environmental science
• entomology

Keywords

• Samurai Wasps
• Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
• biosecurity
• invasive species
• New Zealand
• scientists
• environment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bioeconomy Science Institute, New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited, Biosecurity New Zealand

Products: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Places: Auckland, Mt Albert, Aotearoa

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