Kudzu Bug Update

When cooler weather finally shows up, we usually expect calls about boxelder bugs and Asian lady beetles moving indoors. Most of you have probably read about two other pests that exhibit the same behavior. Those of you that service accounts in the northern counties (or Virginia and Tennessee) will see the infamous brown marmorated stink bug. 

Kudzu bug (Photo: Phillip Roberts, Univ. of GA)

At the other end of the state and down throughout SC and GA, we have the 'kudzu bug' (Megacopta cribraria), which feeds on both kudzu and soybeans. As soybeans mature and dry out, the bugs will likely make their move to nearby areas, including homes.

The following link will show you the latest (August 2011) distribution map for the kudzu bug:

http://insects.ncsu.edu/Urban/pdf/KudzuBug-southeast-August2011.pdf

This doesn't mean you will definitely run into the kudzu bug, but this is a good time to plan ahead. Make sure your techs and office staff are aware of the pest. Dr. Dan Suiter at the University of Georgia has a publication about this pest:

http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/publications/files/pdf/C%20991_1.PDF

If you do get calls about either the kudzu bug or the brown marmorated stink bug, please email Mike Waldvogel (mike_waldvogel@ncsu.edu) or Patty Alder (patricia_alder@ncsu.edu).