Early detection and rapid response are cornerstones of effective invasive species management. However, these strategies can be challenging to implement when the arrival of a non-native species has not been predicted, as may be the case when a species is discovered large distances from known populations. Brown marmorated stink bugs Halyomorpha halys are rapidly spreading across much of the world, causing substantial economic losses to agriculture as well as nuisance when entering houses to overwinter communally. Multiple individuals were recently confirmed in the Canary archipelago, marking a dramatic range expansion into subtropical Atlantic areas and the northwest African region. The potential establishment of this major pest species in this region raises important questions on its ecological adaptation to new climatic and biotic conditions an as well as the unknown impacts and control effectiveness in novel host crop plants such as banana. Previous attempts to control H. halys elsewhere have been typically only partially successful but we suggest eradication in the Canary Islands might still be possible and a sensible goal. Within a conceptual framework we review potential management options and encourage local authorities and stakeholders to implement specific surveillance, control and biosecurity measures aiming to swiftly eradicate this species. Not doing so risks a potentially severe invasion by this species across the region and significant damage to the local agricultural and ornamental plant economy. Our framework provides a basis for rapid response and management in other scenarios where an unexpected non-native species is detected.

brown marmorated stink bug, Tenerife agriculture, invasive Pentatomidae, insect trapping