Q. What is the best way to control Shield Bugs here in
Las Vegas? They were found on my
Italian Cypress. My concern is that
they will invade my garden. The broccoli
and cabbage seem to be ok right now but the new garden is going in this
week.
Las Vegas? They were found on my
Italian Cypress. My concern is that
they will invade my garden. The broccoli
and cabbage seem to be ok right now but the new garden is going in this
week.
 |
| Shield or stink bug. They have a hypodermic-like mouthpart lying under their abdomen that can pierce fruit or vegetables and withdraw fluids. |
A. These can also be called “stink bugs” because it can
release an odor from its abdomen when attacked or threatened. Many of these
types of insects will damage fruits and vegetables and they have no really good
predators here for them. Even birds will leave them alone because of their
“stink”.
release an odor from its abdomen when attacked or threatened. Many of these
types of insects will damage fruits and vegetables and they have no really good
predators here for them. Even birds will leave them alone because of their
“stink”.
We will
find lots of bugs on our plants. It is really the numbers that count. They are
overwintering right now and waiting for a chance to find some food with the new
growth and make some babies. I would at this point just hand pick them when you
see them and put them in a bottle with vinegar or alcohol.
find lots of bugs on our plants. It is really the numbers that count. They are
overwintering right now and waiting for a chance to find some food with the new
growth and make some babies. I would at this point just hand pick them when you
see them and put them in a bottle with vinegar or alcohol.
+compressed.jpg) |
| Stinkbug and apple to give you relative size. The dimples on the fruit were probably caused by stinkbug feeding |
If you
do not need to use a pesticide, I wouldn’t. These guys have wings under that
shield and can fly from yard to yard. Pesticides used unnecessarily will also
kill other insects, good and bad.
Also if
you just take a spray bottle with soap and water and spray them directly this
will also kill them. This is true of all insects, good and bad. The water is
made “wetter” or it loses its surface tension and can then invade the tiny
spiracles that insects have on their body for taking in air and “breathing”. This
causes them to basically drown.
you just take a spray bottle with soap and water and spray them directly this
will also kill them. This is true of all insects, good and bad. The water is
made “wetter” or it loses its surface tension and can then invade the tiny
spiracles that insects have on their body for taking in air and “breathing”. This
causes them to basically drown.
Soap and
water sprays are good to use but must land directly on the insect to “drown”
it. It will not leave a poisonous residue behind like pesticides can.
water sprays are good to use but must land directly on the insect to “drown”
it. It will not leave a poisonous residue behind like pesticides can.