Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association
Menu
  • Home
  • About
  • Membership
  • My Calendar
  • Officers
  • Contact Us
  • Donations
  • Members Only
Menu

New Bug on the Block – Kudzu Bug

Posted on by

In 2009 the kudzu bug, also called the globular stinkbug, Megacopta cribraria, was first observed in Georgia, which appears to be when and where it was introduced to the US.  These small stinkbugs are native to Southeast Asia and feed primarily on Kudzu.  They however also feed on soybeans, one of Georgia’s agricultural crops.  I first noticed them when I looked at my fig tree in late March this year and found it literally covered in these tiny bugs.  I sent a photo to Marlene at the Extension office as I could not find them in my insect book.

Kudzu Bug

Over a period of a few weeks the bugs slowly left my fig tree and probably started feeding on Kudzu as it steadily greened up.  They obviously prefer legumes to figs.  But, once my string beans and soybean plants started growing the bugs were back.  They seem to favor the stems as I have not seen them on the bean pods or the green figs.

Kudzu Bugs on fig tree

I control them by knocking them off the plants into a cup of soapy water.  This is my main defense against all insects that harm my garden.  Adult stinkbugs in general are tough to get rid of with pesticides and the soapy water approach is most satisfying and effective.

Be on the lookout for them this fall when they start looking for a place to overwinter in your house.  As they are so small they can craw through cracks in the walls, foundation and around windows and will take up residence in the walls of your house.  If you find them inside your home do not squash them as they truly are stinkbugs and have a foul odor.

So, if you find a small, greenish grey bug, just smaller than a ladybug, you have seen the Southeast’s most recently arrived insect pest.

Related Images:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Categories

  • Current Events (19)
  • Educational Workshops (20)
  • Events (13)
  • Field Trips (24)
  • Garden Tour (16)
  • Gardening in Gwinnett (8)
  • GCMGA Information (49)
  • GCMGA Volunteer Projects (40)
  • Meetings (116)
  • Newsletters and Member Articles (107)
  • Photo Gallery (14)
  • Uncategorized (2)

Contact Us

Click here if you are interested in becoming a member or have a question about our association.

Inquiries concerning this website can be made by e-mail.

Find us on Facebook at Gwinnett Master Gardeners

Recent Posts

  • May 2025 Meeting
  • June 2025 Meeting
  • April 2025 Meeting
  • Mosquito Bucket Workshop
  • Photography Workshop 2025

Located at Bethesda Senior Center at 225 Bethesda Church Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30044


View Larger Map
©2025 Gwinnett County Master Gardeners Association | Theme by SuperbThemes