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How to Kill Leaf-Footed Bugs

Leaf-footed bugs are common plant pests in the same order as stinkbugs. They prefer to feed on fruit and vegetables but also consume a variety of other plants. Leaf-footed bugs injure plants by sucking out the sap from the plant's leaves, which can cause leaf discoloration, undersized fruit or premature dropping. If you discover leaf-footed bugs on your plants, treat them immediately before they cause damage.

Things You'll Need

Rubber gloves
Pyrethrin-based insecticide spray
Soapy water

Instructions

- 1
  Inspect your plants for leaf-footed bugs. Look for brown or sometimes gray bugs, 1/2 to 2 inches in length with flattened backs in the shape of a shield. If you discover any, isolate them from your healthy plants to prevent further infestations.
- 2
  Remove small lea- footed bug infestations by hand. Put on rubber gloves and pick the bugs and their eggs from your plants by hand. Place the bugs in a dish of soapy water to kill them.
- 3
  Purchase a ready-to-use pyrethrin-based insecticide spray from your local home and garden center to control larger infestations. Spray every part of your afflicted plant two or three times a week to control the pests.
- 4
  Observe your plants daily for signs of leaf-footed bugs or other pests. Treat them immediately with the insecticide spray if you discover any.
- 5
  Mow or pull weeds near your home and garden to prevent leaf footed bugs from sheltering. They like to live and breed in weeds, and will reproduce in great numbers if left untreated.

Insects & Science