Q: I found hundreds of these insects on my fig. Are they the kudzu bugs discovered in 2009?

A: You are exactly correct – you have a great memory!

The bug is the globular stinkbug (aka kudzu bug),  Megacopta cribraria.

It seems to have arrived on plant material from Asia. Because it eats other legumes, like soybeans, besides kudzu, it could be a worrisome agricultural pest.

On the other hand, anything that eats kudzu can’t be all bad! I’ve also had a report that the insect feeds on wisteria…another good habit!

I have found it in every kudzu patch I’ve seen around the north Georgia area.

Unfortunately, this creature has another bad habit: it loves to overwinter in house walls. You may see thousands of them crawling on walls and coming in through cracks near windows and doors.

They don’t bite, but control may be necessary. The first step is to fill all cracks with caulk. You can use any labeled outdoor insecticide to kill them. Products that fit on the end of a water hose are easy to use, just don’t get any of the spray on your skin.

Kudzu Bug FAQ

Pix of kudzu bug adult, nymphs and eggs.

kudzu bug (globular stinkbug)

kudzu bug up close

kudzu bug

kudzu bug on kudzu leaf

kudzu bug on kudzu flower