Insect Pests

Tarnished plant bug adults measure about 1/4 of an inch long and are light brown with white, yellow, and black markings that give a tarnished appearance. - Scott Bauer, USDS ARS, www.insectimages.org

Leaf-footed plant bug adults are about 3/4 of an inch long and rich brown with a pattern of yellow that varies slightly between species. - Ronald Smith, Auburn University, www.insectimages.org

Tarnished plant bug nymphs are light green at first, quickly changing to a similar color as the adults, except they have wing pads. - Ronald Smith, Auburn University, www.insectimages.org

Plant bugs are a group of insects that injure vegetables and strawberries by sucking sap from the plants. Where they feed on fruit, it is misshapen or scarred. Where they feed on blooms, the flowers don't open properly and buds drop. Where they feed on shoots, the growth is distorted. They often damage flowers and tree fruits in addition to vegetables. Fortunately, the plant bugs aren't usually present in large enough numbers to warrant spraying.

If plant bugs get so numerous as to cause more damage than you can tolerate, spray with a pyrethrin product according to label directions. Because the bugs are active and move about freely, some always seem to avoid sprays. Feeding resumes when the effectiveness of the spray wears off. For other products or techniques for control, contact your county Extension agent.