If you've notice pea-sized brown bugs on your plants that are leaving holes from munching, it could be kudzu bugs. Closely related to stink bugs, kudzu bugs are plant munchers that will feed on everything from foliage to vegetables.
'Kudzu bugs (Megacopta cribraria) are a well-known agricultural pest originally from China and India, and it's thought that they hitched a ride to the US and entered accidentally through air travel to Atlanta, GA,' notes Dr. Chad L. Cross, pest expert and epidemiologist from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 'These bugs are generally not harmful to pets or people, but they do cause demonstrable damage to some agricultural plants,' he adds.
Like getting rid of stink bugs, there are a few reliable methods to remove kudzu bugs from your yard. Here's what experts say about getting rid of kudzu bugs and how to do it successfully.
How to get rid of kudzu bugs
Their name derived from one of their favoured food sources - kudzu vines - but will munch through a lot more if allowed. Kudzu bugs use their mouthparts to feed and suck on the juices of plants, particularly targeting legumes like soybeans. They can reduce your harvest and leave many of your plants with foliage damage. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of kudzu bugs, and here's what the experts suggest.
Make a homemade bug spray
If you're looking for homemade bug sprays to get rid of kudzu bugs, the good news is that you likely have the right ingredients in your cupboard.
'Soapy water or oil sprays where you add a little vegetable oil to the soapy-water mixture work well,' says Chad. 'You can spray these from a bottle onto the top and bottom surfaces of leaves and on plant stems,' he adds.
Like in DIY aphid sprays, soapy water helps to get rid of kudzu bugs by dehydrating them. You can even buy specific insecticide soap for this purpose, like this potassium soap concentrate from Amazon. Simply use a spray bottle, like these spray bottles from Walmart, to apply your solution to your infected plants.
'While these work in the short-term, they are a very temporary and a small-scale solution,' Chad notes. 'They need to be reapplied often, and they are known to damage some plant species and the soil health around the plant when they run off. So, be cautious with their use,' he adds.
Chad L. Cross is a researcher who also teaches courses for the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics housed within UNLV's School of Public Health. He has expertise on the ecology and epidemiology of pests and parasites, and vector-borne diseases. He advises on common garden pests and the threat they pose to human and plant health.
Use pesticides to get rid of kudzu bugs
You can also opt for other pesticidal sprays. 'Pyrethroid pesticides are synthetic insecticides related to the plant-based pesticide known as pyrethrum that is derived from flowers of the chrysanthemum plant,' says Chad. 'These are often used in agricultural areas to control several insect species,' he adds.
Chrysanthemums are among the best pest-repellent plants, as well as marigolds which are often planted in vegetable gardens to keep pests away from crops.
It's important to note that pesticides can impact beneficial insects and pollinators, so always use with caution and read the product label for an ingredient list.
'You should always reach out to your local agricultural extension office for a pest problem. They are the experts on how to recognize and treat all the local pests,' Chad advises.
FAQs
Why do kudzu bugs smell when crushed?
Kudzu bugs are related to stink bugs, both of which release a chemical that has a foul odor. Although disconcerting, kudzu bugs aren't harmful to human health - including their secretion. However, experts warn that some people may have an allergic reaction to it. If you do have an allergic reaction to any insects, it's important to seek medical advice.
If you notice kudzu bugs in your yard, it's a wise idea to get rid of them before they damage your entire vegetable garden. It's best to always seek advice from a professional pest control expert if you're struggling to get rid of any pests in your yard.
Make sure to also read up on pest control mistakes so that you can take the right actions to get rid of any pests in your home and yard once and for all.
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