Targeted repellent spray for brown marmorated stink bugs
This technology is a chemical repellent formulation specifically designed to drive away brown marmorated stink bugs (BMSB), an invasive pest that causes hundreds of millions of dollars in annual crop losses across the U.S. The formula combines naturally derived compounds — including tridecane and E-2-decenal, which mimic the bug's own alarm signals — to deter the insects from feeding on or even approaching treated plants, structures, or other surfaces. The composition can be applied with a carrier material, making it adaptable to sprays, traps, or barrier treatments. It works by exploiting the bug's own chemical communication system rather than acting as a broad-spectrum poison.
What you could build
A field-ready BMSB repellent spray or perimeter barrier product sold to fruit and vegetable growers, particularly apple and peach orchards, as well as to homeowners facing seasonal infestations; pest management distributors and ag-input companies would be the channel buyers.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia has significant apple and peach production in the Shenandoah Valley, where BMSB is an established economic threat; Virginia Cooperative Extension and Virginia Tech's agriculture programs are natural partners for field trials or licensing conversations.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Aijun Zhang, Christina Harris, Tracy C. Leskey
- Granted
- April 26, 2016
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9320280
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.