HARLEQUIN BUG PINBOX FULL

They can be a problem in small gardens at home and even in huge agricultural fields. This will depend on the specie of the host plant. They can attack the different parts of the host plants, but most of them will appear on the leaves and stem. They start being active in spring when the temperature starts to increase. In their adult stage, they are inactive during the winter months. When they are in the egg form, they will cling to the underside of the leaf. The first record of its appearance was in 1864 in Texas.

This specie is native to Central America and Mexico. They can be black and red or black and yellow. The color patterns will vary depending on the season they appear. You will easily notice these bugs because of their bright colors. When they are adults, their body looks like a shield with an average length of 3/8 inch.

HARLEQUIN BUG PINBOX FULL

During this stage, they undergo five instars before reaching full maturity. In their nymph stage, they are round and black with pale green spots. They are tiny and barrel-like with color that ranges from white to yellow. Harlequin bugs lay their eggs on the leaves of the host plant. To learn more about identifying bug and determining which are helpful bugs and which are harmful, be sure to read our blog post: Friend or Foe.Avoid excessive damages caused by harlequin bugs Try either nectar plants like borage or sweet alyssum to attract beneficial insects that will destroy egg masses or highly aromatic plants like garlic or mint to deter harlequin bugs from feeding.

Use garlic/onion spray to repel the harlequin bugs they can’t stand the smell.

This will strip the waxy coating from the exoskeleton of the harlequin bug, causing them to dehydrate.

Use diatomaceous earth or organic insecticidal soap.

Drop the insects into a bucket of soapy water.

Inspect your plant often and hand-pick the insects and eggs that you find.

Keep the areas around your garden weeded - harlequin bugs prefer to overwinter in weedy/bushy areas.Look for resistant varieties of vegetables.There are several organic options to consider when trying to control harlequin bug populations.

The damaged caused can kill young plants and stunt the growth of more mature plants. This is an insect that causes damage by sucking sap out of your plants, and they are dangerous to your crops at multiple life stages. The eggs are striped and barrel-shaped, and you will find them in masses. Harlequin bugs are shield-shaped like stink bugs, but their bright colors give them away. Harlequin bugs are known to be a major pest for plants in the Brassica family including broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, turnips, radish and Brussel sprouts, but they also might attack you tomatoes, corn, okra, squash, and asparagus. These bright red-orange and black insects are close relative to the stink bug and they love to feast on your vegetables. There are many pesky insects pest that you will most likely run into sooner or later while tending a vegetable garden. A recent Tweet from the folks over at Kersey Creek Elementary School in Hanover County got us thinking about Harlequin bugs and how we can help provide suggestions for combating them organically.

Harlequin bug pinbox