Pest Alert: Kudzu Bugs

Kudzu bug, Meridian, MS

In October 2009, large numbers of an insect known as kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria) were discovered on the exterior of houses in nine northeast Georgia counties.  This insect is also referred to as the bean plataspid, lablab bug, or globular stink bug.  It is related to various species of stink bugs.  Before discovery in Georgia, kudzu bug was not known to occur in the Western Hemisphere

By September 2010, the insect was confirmed in more than 60 north and central Georgia counties as well as limited distributions in North and South Carolina.  By 2011 it was reported in Alabama.  In 2012 it has spread to Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida.  Kudzu bug was first reported in Montgomery and Warren counties this spring.  The photos shown were taken in Lauderdale County (Meridian) on October 16.   They were in large numbers.

    Kudzu bug adults are 4 to 6 mm long, oblong, olive-green colored with brown speckles, and produce a mildly offensive odor when disturbed. You do not have to mash them like you do with other stinkbugs.  If you get the smell on your hands, it takes several applications of soap and water to get some of it off.  I think you might need an industrial hand cleaner.

Kudzu bug’s preferred host is kudzu in its native Asia.  Kudzu appears to be a primary host in North America but it will also eat wisteria. This insect will continue to spread into most areas where kudzu is established.  Eating kudzu and wisteria is not a bad thing.  The problem is that kudzu bug also eats soybeans, southern peas, snap beans, and assorted other desirable plants.  Next spring, gardens will need to be monitored for this pest.   However, it is easily controlled by most common insecticides.



Kudzu bugs catching some rays on a cool morning.

        Kudzu bug can be a nuisance to ordinary homeowners.   As the weather begins to cool this insect, like the Asian lady beetles, seek secluded sites where they spend the winter.  They can accumulate in large numbers around doors, windows, and other openings.  This was how they were first noticed in Meridian.

 The best control method is to prevent the kudzu bug from entering your home. Homeowners should make sure that screens on windows are well-seated and without holes and that soffit, ridge, and gable vents are properly screened.  Doors should have a tight seal when closed and door-sweeps under their base.

 

To help control these insects outside the homes when they accumulate around the doors and windows, you can use an application of an insecticide spray labeled for outdoor insect control. Weekly applications may be necessary as additional insects keep moving in search of a place to spend the winter.

Do not be crush any insects that have managed to enter the home should, since this may stain indoor surfaces and result in odors that may prove difficult to eliminate.  Instead use a vacuum to capture them and then empty it into a sealable disposal container.  

      You can find additional information at http://www.kudzubug.org.