LAUSR

Abstract. Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a serious invasive stink bug species in the central coast region of California. Although B. hilaris can be effectively managed using synthetic insecticides, organic growers have limited effective tools to manage this pest. Little is known about repellent effects of essential oils on adult B. hilaris; thus, repellent effect of citronellal, lemongrass oil, geraniol, peppermint oil, thyme oil, rosemary oil, pine needle oil, and vetiver acetate was examined using olfactormeter. In the choice assay, most of the essential oils did not elicit repellency to both female and male adult B. hilaris except geraniol because significantly more B. hilaris chose the empty arm of the olfactometer than the arm with geraniol. Implications of essential oils on B. hilaris management are discussed.