What's happening?

The gardener looked up at the tree in shock. 

Caught in a trap was a single brown insect. The gardener gulped in horror. Then he was hit by a disgusting smell.

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Farmers in the UK are preparing for an invasion. The brown marmorated stink bug is only the size of a fingernail. But it is already causing trouble in Europe. 

This summer, scientists spotted it in Britain for the third time. Experts warn they could soon be spreading. 

It is bad news for crops. Stink bugs suck the juice out of fruit plants. They destroy raspberries, peaches, pears and plums. 

They also get into people's homes. They sneak through tiny cracks in doors and windows. 

Worst of all? They stink!

But some experts say we should not be so unfair towards these bugs. They cause problems for humans, but they help other ecosystems. 

This is true for lots of creatures that humans dislike. Wasps help break down rotting fruit. Rats are strong and clever. 

Some would say we should give them all more respect. 

Some say

Yes! Some creatures are just bad. Mosquitoes that carry malaria spread disease to millions of people. Locusts ruined crops across Africa last year. And now the stink bugs are causing trouble all over Europe! 

Others think

No! Every creature has its own role to play. Spiders are feared by 45% of Britons. But they make silk so strong it is used for bandages. Deadly foxgloves are used to treat heart conditions. And even when a creature is not useful for us, we should still value it!