Kuidzu Bugs on the Move

Kudzu bugs

As the weather has begun to cool, I have started getting calls about large numbers of insects trying to get into people’s homes.  Most people are familiar with the Asian Lady Beetles, but they do not recognize this insect.  This insect is the kudzu bug.  The cooler temperature has caused them to move from the kudzu patches and start looking for a place to spend the winter.  And your nice warm home is a good spot.

The kudzu bug was first reported in Mississippi in 2012 and is rapidly spreading throughout the state.  The most recent report has this insect in 33 counties.  It was necessary to spray some soybean fields in some areas to prevent economic damage from them.

This time of year they are just an annoyance.  To keep them out of your home, seal all window/door cracks. Screens will also help prevent kudzu bug entry. It is important to make sure soffit vents and peak vents on homes have good screening in addition to window and door screening.

       Sweep the kudzu bugs that do get into your home into a dustpan and put them in a bucket of water.  If you vacuum them up, they will release their stink into the vacuum canister and that can stay in it for several weeks so change canister bags as soon as you get through.  It is not a good idea to pick them up in your bare hands either.  It takes multiple applications of soap and water to remove the odor.

To further reduce entry into your home, you can apply insecticides around doors and windows.  You can use any labeled outdoor insecticide to kill them.   If you kill large amounts to them, you need to sweep and remove since they will produce a foul odor as they decompose.  Their carcasses can also attract ants.