Continuing from Wednesday…
If beans are not available, researchers have found that these invasive pests will next turn to kudzu plants to feast upon. Kudzu plants are considered to be an invasive plant that is extremely difficult to eradicate. They are a powerful vine type weed that smothers all types of plants that they surround. The kudzu plant is in the same family as the pea pod which is likely why the insects find this plant to be a tasty treat. People who have encountered this pesky insect don’t mind that they eat the weed, but quickly find that their existence is not worth the trade-off. If there is no kudzu plants to feast upon, then any ornamental plant will suffice while these pests await the legume season to begin.
Like the brown marmorated stink bug, the kudzu bug has a similar pungent stench that it emits when it is squished, frightened, or when it is confined to a vacuum cleaner. In addition, they have a hardened shell which is difficult, but not impossible to penetrate. The kudzu bug is shaped more like a lady bug instead of like a stink bug, but their bulging eyes are very similar to that of a stink bug.
The great news about the kudzu bug is that it has been found to be susceptible to death by traditional pesticide treatments that are offered by pest control experts. It is important for anyone who sees these insects at their home to report them to a pest control pro so that proper treatment can be performed. Additionally, in states where the insects have yet to be found, it would be wise to notify the local extension office so that a specimen examination can commence.
Unfortunately, entomologists believe that there are yet to be discovered infestations of kudzu bugs in other states which will surely begin to surface as the weather begins to turn from spring to summer. Hopefully New Jersey will be spared, but rest assured that Monmouth County, NJ pest control professionals are ready to go to battle against these pets.