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How to Kill a Florida Leaf-Footed Bug

The Florida leaf-footed bug is a common pest found on many trees, shrubs and plants. They have sucking mouthparts that pierce through leaves and feed on its contents. Widespread damage can be caused to plants from feeding that can leave it pitted, discolored or distorted. If you discover any Florida leaf-footed bugs on your plants, treat them immediately before any permanent damage is done.

Things You'll Need

Rubber gloves
Soap and water container
Spray bottle with water
Pyrethrin-based insecticide spray

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect and isolate, if possible, any plants that you find with Florida leaf-footed bugs. Place them in a part of your home that is away from other plants. Keep plants isolated until you are sure there is no longer an infestation.
- 2
  Hand pick Florida leaf-footed bugs off plants for mild infestations. Wear rubber gloves and pick the pests off your plants and place them in a container of soap and water.
- 3
  Remove Florida leaf-footed bugs with a brisk water spray. Fill a spray bottle with water and spray every part of your plant to physically remove the bugs.
- 4
  Apply a pyrethrin-based insecticide spray to plants for larger infestations. Spray the soil around the roots, leaves and stems of the plant, paying special attention to the undersides of leaves where the bugs like to hide.
- 5
  Eliminate potential sheltering places for Florida leaf-footed bugs around your garden. Remove leaves, mulch, piles of rocks and other debris that can harbor the bugs.

Insects & Science