In 2009, the kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria (F.), also known the bean plataspid, lablab bug, or globular stink bug, was reported in nine counties in northeastern Georgia. The following year, the insect had been found in over 60 counties and in Macon County, NC. Since then, surveys by NCSU Entomology Department and the NC Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services have confirmed the presence of the kudzu bug in kudzu patches, soybean fields and on other plants such as wisteria in over 60 counties (see map). It is likely present in many other counties but simply has not yet been seen there.

Kudzu bugs are 4 to 6 mm long (about 1/6" - 1/4"), somewhst oblong in shape, and olive-green colored with brown speckles (see picture at right). They are "true bugs" and so they have piercing-sucking mouthparts. Aside from kudzu, these insects are known to feed on a wide variety of legumes (soybeans and other bean species, as well as wisteria and some vetches, Eger et al. 2010). Kudzu bugs have several generations per year. In the spring, they feed extensively in kudzu patches and on other legume hosts. In July-August, they will move into soybeans where they feed on stems and foliage and can have a significant impact on crop yields. The bugs continue to feed and lay eggs into the fall on kudzu and other hosts. As temperatures and day length decline, kudzu bugs seek out sheltered areas where they can pass the winter, such as under bark or rocks, or in leaf litter, etc. As they encroach on kudzu patches and soybean fields near residential areas, we can expect to see them invade homes simiilar to the behavior of another nuisance pest - the Asian lady beetle. The bugs will often congregate on light-colored surfaces (such as siding, fascia boards, etc.) as seen in the picture below. They will then move under siding, or into gaps around doors and windows, or through penetrations such as around air condtioning and water pipes. In the following spring, the bugs become active again and begin moving onto kudzu and other host plants, particularly wisteria. As a results, those bugs which have overwintered inside homes (inside walls, attics, etc.) may end up inside the home instead of heading to food sources. They may also land on siding and will deposit their eggs on non-plant surfaces such as brick, vinyl, and other siding materials.


Kudzu Bug Control

Homes near soybean fields or patches of kudzu are more likely to be invaded by the kudzu bug in the fall, Residents will see activity outdoors in the spring outdoors, but they need to watch for signs of the bugs movement to (and in) homes around the end of September, particularly in areas where temperatures start declining. Although most common household insecticides will kill the bugs on direct contact, control of the kudzu bug by treating the exterior of homes is likely to produce poor-mediocre results for several reasons. First, most residents do not have the proper equipment to apply an insecticide to areas high up on their homes where the bugs may congregate. Second, because the insects are actively feeding even in the fall, their movement out of these plantings may take place over several weeks which means several applications (e.g., weekly) may be need to try to reduce their numbers. Wettable powder formulations of insecticides may produce "better" results (although they will still not prevent the bugs from invading homes). When using insecticides, always read and follow the directions for use on the product label. Exercise extreme caution when spraying overhead since chemical will likely drop down on you and objects around you. Wear protective clothing and equipment (gloves, goggles, etc.) to keep insecticide off your skin, hair and eyes. Be sure to remove or cover objects such as outdoor chairs, grills, swimming and decorative pools, and children's toys. Read the pesticide labels carefully becuase many of the common products no longer allow for exterior broadcast treatments where pesticides are more likely to be washed off by rain and may potentially moved into storm drains. Be careful when spraying near ponds and other bodies of water.

Pesticides have limited ability to stop the bugs from entering homes. So, it is also important to seal gaps and openings (such as around plumbing and AC lines) to prevent the bugs from entering home. Avoid crushing Insects that do find their way indoors as this may stain surfaces and/or result in unpleasant odors. Vacuum up the insects and then place the vacuum bag (or contents) into a trash bag and freeze the bag for several days. You can also drop the bugs into soapy water to kill them. If you simply dump the live insects outdoors, they will likely end up back inside or surviving somewhere else around your property.

Removing kudzu patches in neighboring areas can be helpful but may be difficult unless you get cooperation from the property owner. Treating kudzu for the bugs is difficult without the proper equipment and care must be exercised to make sure the pesticides do not run off into sensitive areas such as wetlands, creeks, etc. The insects are fairly mobile (they crawl and fly) and so even eradicating (or attempting to eradicate) kudzu in or near your yard may not solve the problem.

Click HERE for information about the kudzu bug as a pest in field crops.

Picture credits
- Kudzu bug male - J. Eger, Dow AgroSciences, LLC
- Kudzu bugs on home - D. Suiter, University of Georgia


References used in this publication (and for more information):

Eger, J. E., Jr., L. M. Ames, D. R. Suiter, T. M. Jenkins, D. A. Rider, and S. E. Halbert. 2010. Occurrence of the Old World bug Megacopta cribraria (F.) (Heteroptera: Plataspidae) in Georgia: A serious home invader and potential legume pest. Insecta Mundi 0121: 1-11.

Megacoptera cribaria as a Nuisance Pest. D.R. Suiter, L. M. Jones, J. E. Eger, and W. A. Gardner. 2010; UGA-CAES Extension Circular No. 991.