Detailed information on Leaf footed Bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus)

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EileenAZ

Tucson, AZ (Zone 9a) | August 2019 | Negative

These are horrible bugs. They flat-out killed my almond tree several years back. They love pomegranates, as mentioned above. Whenever I see one (not often any more, thank God) I kill them immediately. I've read that spraying dormant fruit trees with an insecticidal oil- don't know which one- will coat and kill the developing eggs or larvae in the slits they cut in the branches to lay their eggs in.

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melissa_in_phx

Phoenix, AZ | September 2016 | Negative

**Add Phoenix, AZ to the above list**

I was on my patio a few weeks ago filling the feeders for the Lovebirds when I noticed the tree I hang millet in for the finches appeared to be crawling on one of the branches.

Upon closer inspection, not only were these little beasts setting up camp on a couple of branches, they were in the process of taking over one of the Lovies' hanging block feeders. As of two days ago, the peanut feeder has become a battleground, too.

When they first arrived, I didn't know what they were having never seen them. Within a few days, it became clear they needed to go. I've since learned it's a lovely premise and much easier said than done.

To date, blasting them with the hose has been the most effective w... read more

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gffrenemy

Brooksville, FL | July 2016 | Negative

Thee bugs are the ultimate destroyers of tomato plants in central Florida. I try hard to avoid pesticides - I've planted trap crops of marigold and sun flowers to no avail. I swear I here them laughing at Neem Oil.

I hate touching them-even with gloves and I don't like killing anything. Someone said there's a clay you can mix with water and spray the plant with - but it makes that plant look like you just doused it with Seven dust. I guess that's just a bridge too far for me and I refuse to resort to chemicals.

I'll just buy certified organic veggies and/or source locally from organic gardeners.

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KristiS

Bogart, GA | June 2016 | Negative

Found this bug in my cantaloupe plants. It is here in Bogart, GA. Please add it to your list.

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Mind_Your_Dirt

San Diego, CA | August 2015 | Neutral

Until I stumbled upon this page, I thought I had two assassin bugs mating on my pomegranates. I even posted photos as to how cool they were and how I was looking forward to their ninja like garden pest control.

Now, I need to go home and kill them all with fire it seems! Or, more mildly, throw them to the chickens!

So, go ahead and add San Diego to the list, because they're here!!

yours,
James
http://www.mindyourdirt.com

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Josh12

Henderson, NV | July 2014 | Negative

The Leaf footed Bug has destroyed many of my Pomegranates here in Henderson, NV. They can fly, I pick them off and put them in soapy water or throw them on the ground to step on them. They put off a bad smell and often fly away and return to lay eggs by somehow piercing the Pomegranate which will reveal dark brown mushy spots in the Fall and ruin the
Pomegranate. If anyone knows any good tips to prevent these bugs other than hand picking them off Please let me know. Thanks.

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Carriemct

Carmichael, CA | August 2013 | Negative

I have never seen this bug here in central California until now on my tomatoes. Thank you DG what a great resource! Looks like I need to make it disappear! CMT

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cassvillejacket

Cartersville, GA | August 2013 | Negative

Found this bug all over my tomato plants this year (Beefsteak and Cherokee Purple). I suspect these are the creatures leaving the pin-prick size holes in the fruit.

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Hagar3

Byron, GA | July 2012 | Negative

I found several on my Cucumber vines. How do I get rid of them?

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kevcarr59

BUda, TX (Zone 8b) | June 2012 | Negative

Found the most of these bugs on our cantaloupes about 6 weeks ago and dusted with DE. Hadn't seen any for a while but they're back, and applied another shot of DE, and may back it up with Sevin dust.

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lordclean

College Station, TX | June 2012 | Negative

These bugs have caused greater damage to my crops throughout the years than aphids, whiteflies and thrips combined.

I've found that spraying/dusting in ineffective as the leaf-footed buggers simply leave the area until it is safe to return.

The most effective method of control for this pest is HoD (Hand of Death). They do smell horrible when crushed so I highly recommend wearing gloves.

If you are in an affected zone, be sure to check for adult leaf-footed bugs early in your planting season and KILL ON SIGHT. Being vigilant and killing as many as you can and as early will limit their reproductive numbers later on. Check the stems and leaf surfaces for the adults, be advised that they will attempt to hide from you by fleeing to the other... read more

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fujitanis3

Greenwood, SC | July 2010 | Negative

This horrible bug has killed our tomato plants! We are going to have to throw out all of our tomatoes because they have stopped producing. We haven't noticed any damage to the strawberry plants, maybe because we just planted them in the spring. Now they are drinking out of the hummingbird feeder!

Uggh how do we get rid of these pests??? I am originally from SD and never seen anything like this before. We moved to SC almost two years ago, this is our first time growing anything gardenwise. Can anyone say frustration?!

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TropiTiki

Murrells Inlet, SC (Zone 8b) | June 2010 | Negative

These are all over my Purple de Milpa tomatillos. I have lots of other veggies nearby and this is what they always prefer, so if you're looking for a trap crop, try this.

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Super65

Moffat, TX | February 2010 | Negative

In my garden, this is one of the worst pests. They can be as bad or worse than the little green stink bugs on tomatoes. They seem to be more easily driven away by spraying than the green stink bugs, but are often found in greater number. They smell terrible when crushed, but I use my fingers to crush them anyway, mainly out of anger. The problem is that you can pick them off daily all season long and not notice any change. These bugs discolor and ruin tomatoes in the same way the green stink bugs do, by sitting on the ripening fruit and piercing it. Their demeanor is unlike that of the green stink bug in that they will not try to hide from you but will buzz you and fly away when you approach the plant.
I am considering planting a bait crop but I don't know what they like more than ... read more

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12mockingbirds

New Orleans, LA | June 2008 | Negative

Nasty Tomato eater. Threw two creole tomato plants in the trash today. Very sad. Seems their shells are very difficult to penetrate. Terrible bug if you are trying to garden organically.

Hopefully they won't return to destroy my citrus.

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TitiBebbs

Lee, FL | August 2007 | Negative

I'm pretty sure these are what killed all the corn in our small garden this summer, since they have been ALL OVER the plants which never really produced much and died much earlier than others around here. Now they are all over my cherry tomato plants {YIKES!} which have been producing extremely well until this weekend. I'm seeing a decline in the health of these plants. Are these things anything worse than a nuisance?

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Farmerdill

Augusta, GA (Zone 8a) | August 2007 | Negative

This is a major pest on Okra in this area. It also feeds on Southern peas.

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trois

Santa Fe, TX (Zone 9b) | November 2006 | Neutral

This bug is very destructive of Hyacinth Bean plants, destroying leaves and beans.

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shaniqwa

Houston, TX | September 2006 | Neutral

i have captured a leaf footed bug- leptoglossus phyllopus, it has detroyed my moms watermelons, and her watermelon vines. how do you get rid of these bugs.

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princessnonie

New Caney, TX (Zone 8b) | August 2006 | Negative

http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/orn/leaffooted_bug.htm

Leaf footed Bug

Leptoglossus phyllopus

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