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About Kudzu Bugs
About Kudzu Bugs
Bearing resemblance to ladybugs or other small-sized beetles, the kudzu bug is a small insect that can really be irritating to homeowners, due to their propensity to invade homes and spread unpleasant odors. If you want to find out more about the kudzu bug and how you can control an infestation of them, continue reading this article.
Appearance
Easily the most notable physical characteristic of the kudzu bug is its strange-looking outer shell. This shell is similar in texture to a ladybug’s and has a mottled brown and green color scheme to it. These bugs are very small, as the longest length they get to be is under a quarter of an inch. In addition to these characteristics, there is a very minute detail that differentiates the kudzu bug from the beetle species. This detail is the sucking mouthparts they have instead of the beetle’s chewing mouthparts. Kudzu bugs also have two wings and can be seen flying about during certain times of the year. One final physical feature to note is the number of legs that these bugs have. They have four legs that come out of the side of their thorax and abdomen, and two shorter ones that come out of the front of their thorax by their head.
Behavior
Kudzu bugs actually live very similar lives to ladybugs in many of their behavioral patterns. The kudzu actually gets its name from its favorite food source, the invasive kudzu vine. These vines can be found in the southern United States quite commonly. In other areas, the insects will settle for soybeans and other crops. They stab their piercing mouthparts into the plant to extract the juices that are held within. When it comes to reproduction, the kudzu females follow a common routine. They locate a host plant that is suitable and affix their eggs on the underside of the leaves or stems. Once the eggs hatch, the nymphs that emerge will begin eating their host plant, and then move on to others, growing into a mature adult kudzu bug.
Habitat
As of now, kudzu bugs only inhabit a certain part of the United States. Several southeastern states in the U.S are inhabited by the bug, such as Georgia, the Carolinas, and other states as they work their way deeper into the country. The kudzu bug’s ideal habitat would be in any area that is close to a suitable food source. Some of their favorites would be flower or vegetable gardens, crop fields, and any surrounding areas close to these places. When winter time comes, the kudzu bugs scramble to find suitable lodging for overwintering. In nature, they look for places such as beneath rocks, beneath logs, inside of rock crevices, and any other warm areas. When they wander far enough in search of warmth, they often make their way into people’s homes.
Damage They Cause
The kudzu bug causes no damage whatsoever to homes or any belongings within homes. These insects will not bite or sting, and are not known to transmit diseases to humans. However, if they are disturbed or startled, they will release a pungent odor that is meant to deter predators. The kudzu is also known to inhabit homes in swarms, much like ladybugs or boxelder bugs. This can be uncomfortable for homeowners, so they generally want to remove these bugs quickly. If you have a vegetable, flower, or crop garden or field, you should be more concerned, as these insects can wreak havoc.
Infestation Signs
The most obvious and most common infestation sign is the large numbers of kudzu bugs that a homeowner would run into. In addition to seeing them, you may also be able to smell the bugs if they are startled and release the foul-smelling chemicals. The best places to check in your home to make sure that you do not have an infestation are areas where the bugs can get easy access to sunlight, such as upstairs rooms near windows. Plants in your garden or field would be sure to show damage as well.
How to Get Rid of Them
Now that you know you have a kudzu bug problem, you will more than likely want to get rid of these critters soon. These insects actually will not reproduce inside of your home and will leave as soon as the weather turns warm again. They primarily use homes as a place to stay during the winter months. One of the easiest ways to get rid of them is to use a human and pet- friendly insecticide that will kill them quickly. If you need more help, call your local pest control expert, as they will be able to advise you on how to prevent them in the future as well as take care of the current infestation.
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