These bugs had really big thighs, and smaller red ones that look like a cross between a carpenter ant and a mosquito. This year I noticed the eggs on many branches and cut them off. I am sure that I missed many and am wondering what I can do to get rid of them. We have been keeping it organic up until this point and would love to continue that since we eat as much of the fruit as possible. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!
A. You do not need to cut those branches off. You can just rub them off with a cloth and alcohol or pull leaves off if they are the undersides.
This insect is called the leaffooted plant bug, a close relative to stinkbugs, squash bug and several others that are pests in home landscapes and gardens. They get their name from the leaf-like appendage on their rear legs.
Picture of adult from Auburn University. |
Control of these insects is difficult and will require quite
a bit of work on your part. Organic sprays would include soap sprays such as
Safers, oils such as Neem and pyrethrin sprays. Organic sprays are usually not
as potent as conventional commercial insecticides so must be used more often
and requires closer monitoring of the plants for buildups in their populations.
Spraying multiple times through the growing season will be required because of
their abilities to build their populations so quickly and their ability for
flight.
Thanks--they are a mess.
ReplyDeleteThey don’t do to much damage on mine. They are part of the ecosystem. If they are not doing damage, as long as you only see a dozen or two, no chemicals are required at all.
ReplyDelete