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| Close up of a kudzu bug adult. |
The bugs are olive green to brownish with a squared tail,
and they are about the size of an Asian lady beetle. Kudzu bugs are native to Asia. It was first detected in northeastern Georgia
in October 2009. Now it has spread
throughout Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina, and moved into Alabama,
Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi and Virginia.
No one seems to know how they got into the country. They are nuisance stink bugs that secrete a
foul odor that can stain wall coverings, fabrics and skin.
There might be one upside to the kudzu bug, researchers have
found that the bugs can reduce kudzu vine growth by one-third.
In Alabama, kudzu bugs were first discovered in two counties
in 2010. By the next year, they were reported in eight counties, and this year
reports confirm them in 43 counties. I have
checked some kudzu patches in Double Springs, and I did not find a single kudzu
bug. They may not be here yet, but this
may be the last kudzu bug-free year that we have. There is little doubt that they will arrive
in this area soon since they have already been reported in neighboring Cullman
County. Kudzu bugs are excellent
hitchhikers landing on people, vehicles and buildings, plus, they are good
fliers and can fly long distances.
Kudzu bugs were busy eating plants all summer. As the name
would suggest, they like kudzu, but they also move into other crops such as
soybeans and green beans. They seem to be particularly active in exploring
different plants in spring before leafing of kudzu and in later fall to get the
last meal before overwintering. Triggered
by the approaching cooler temperatures, they are actively leaving their usual
host plants to look for places to spend the winter. Where would that be? Your home and home garden are nice cozy
habitats for overwintering. Once on the
move, the adults particularly like congregating in masses on light-colored
surfaces. During the day they also like
to gather in masses in the shade portion of structures regardless of color. This mass migration has caused complaints and
inquiries to Extension offices.
What should homeowners do to prevent an invasion?
Exclusion is the better answer. Exclusion means sealing and
caulking very well, particularly around windows, doors and areas where piping,
such as water spigots or air conditioner lines, enter the house. Also, tight
sweeps on the bottoms of doors and good screen maintenance will help limit
entry into the house.
If homeowners choose to use an insecticide, any pyrethroid
insecticide applied directly to the bugs can kill them. Most insecticides
available for purchase by consumers are effective at killing the bugs.
Homeowners must read and follow the product’s label. It is the law.
Even with use of well-timed insecticides and all the
caulking and tightening you can do, if these bugs are interested in your house,
some of them will find their way in. Remember, they all come with an
offensive odor so treat them with care! Do not crush them as they can emit
offensive odor and cause stains. The best way to remove them is to vacuum them
up. A wet/dry vacuum works best, as odors can linger in a traditional vacuum.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dishwashing detergent per gallon of water then add a
few gallons to the vacuum canister. The detergent and water will drown any
kudzu bugs you vacuum up. If you have to use a traditional vacuum, be sure to
throw away the bag as soon as you are done.
For more information on kudzu bugs, give us a call at 489-5376.
Photo credits: Photo 1: Joe Eger, Dow
Agroscience, Photo 2:
Jeremy Greene,
Clemson University, bugwood.org, Distribution Map:
The University of
Georgia
