If you’re a gardener, you know that bugs can be a major problem. One particularly pesky insect is the crusader bug, also known as the marmorated stink bug. These bugs have a voracious appetite for plants and can cause significant damage to your garden. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify crusader bugs, the damage they can cause, and most importantly, how to get rid of them.
Crusader bugs are brownish-gray insects that are about 1 inch long. They have a distinctive shield-shaped body and a pair of antennae that are longer than their bodies. You’ll often find them in groups on the undersides of leaves or on stems.
Crusader bugs feed on a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. They use their sharp mouthparts to pierce the plant’s surface and suck out the sap, causing significant damage to the plant.
One of the most noticeable signs of crusader bug damage is the appearance of small, sunken spots on the plant’s surface. These spots will often turn yellow or brown and eventually lead to leaf drop or death of the entire plant.
Now that you know what crusader bugs look like and the damage they can cause, let’s discuss how to get rid of them.
One of the easiest ways to get rid of crusader bugs is to physically remove them from your plants. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment or simply pick them off by hand and place them in a bucket of soapy water.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control crusader bugs. You can spray the soap directly onto the bugs or onto the plant’s surface. The soap will suffocate the bugs and cause them to die.
Neem oil is another natural way to control crusader bugs. It works by disrupting their feeding and reproductive cycles, causing them to die off. You can spray neem oil directly onto your plants, being sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves.
If you have a severe infestation of crusader bugs, you may need to use a pyrethrin-based insecticide. These insecticides work by attacking the nervous system of the bugs, causing them to die. Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully when using these products.
A: While crusader bugs do have a distinctive odor that some people find unpleasant, they are not harmful to humans.
A: Insecticidal soap is safe for most plants, but it’s always a good idea to test it on a small area first to make sure your plant isn’t sensitive to it.
A: Neem oil is generally considered safe for beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs, but it’s always a good idea to avoid spraying when these insects are present.
A: One of the best ways to prevent crusader bugs from returning is to maintain healthy plants. Make sure your plants are getting enough water and nutrients, and remove any dead or diseased plant material promptly. You can also use row covers or other physical barriers to keep the bugs from reaching your plants.
In conclusion, crusader bugs can be a real problem for gardeners, but with a little knowledge and effort, they can be controlled. By identifying the bugs, understanding the damage they can cause, and using the appropriate control methods, you can keep your plants healthy and thriving.