Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

I recently discovered an invasion of stink bugs on my eggplant and tomatoes. I was intrigued that my Audubon Field Guide only had the Green Stink Bug. In explanation, I discovered the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug arrived in the U.S. around 1998, and my book was a 1980 edition. Marmorated means marble-like or streaked. The Wikipedia page has a photograph showing more detail.

This invasive species originated in Japan, Taiwan, China and Korea. This agricultural pest pierces and sucks fruits and vegetables inflicting damage as well as spreading pathogens.

Interestingly, the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug tries to overwinter in buildings. Once it gains access to a structure, it hibernates unless the building is too warm. Last Spring we stayed in a mountain lodge that had several of them on the ceilings.

This is the time of the year that bugs become aggressive in the garden, and the gardener must be equally aggressive. I’ll be treating my plants with a Sevin liquid spray or dust, and observe to make sure the stink bug population declines. Of course, if you have only a few bugs, they can be removed by hand.

Rosy Apple Aphids

 Rosy Apple Aphids

I've seen this bug around from time to time. I'm taking a stab at identifying it as a Rosy Apple Aphid. I found several on a pepper plant which is not its food source, but our neighbor has apple trees. If I need to be corrected, please leave a comment.

Managing Japanese Beetles

Hibiscus - A favorite of Japanese Beetles

As reported previously, Japanese beetle numbers are down significantly. What can you do with the few persistent beetles on your flowers? 

The commercial beetle traps contain pheromones or mating hormones that attract beetles to the trap. 

This trap will draw beetles from all over the neighborhood to your yard. Do not go that route.

I keep a plastic container with soap solution in my garage. When I see beetles on flowers, I knock them into the container and close it. The bugs are slow and sluggish thus easily caught.  I also use old lotion or perfume in the place of soap when making homemade beetle traps.