Economic thresholds depend on many factors (crop stage, crop age, and socio-economic and climatic conditions) and cannot be adopted without taking into consideration local conditions.Ĭrop hygiene, in particular removal of old crops and destruction of weeds of the family Cruciferae prevents population build-up. However, note that these thresholds are given as examples. If the crop is past the early growing stage, a higher threshold level of three bugs/m² can be maintained (Keizer and Zuurbier). Research in Namibia has shown that control measurements should start if the number of bugs/m² in the early growing stage exceeds one. Regular monitoring of the crop is important to detect bagrada bug before they cause damage to the crop. If you are having issuing with this bug in your garden here are some organic ways to combat them: Here are two links that have more information and photos of the bug: I want to share it with you It has been identified as the Bagrad Bug. Here’s information on a bug that seems to be infesting kale and other lettuce plants/seedlings in the community gardens. Harlequin bugs/ Bagrada bugs are the same: Hey Gardenerds, I got this from a friend recently. Drop the bugs into the other bucket with soapy water and they will die quickly. The bugs will fall into the bucket by the dozens. Fill one bucket with about 2″ of water with a drop of two of dish soap (or spray Safe Soap on the surface), then hold the second bucket under the plant and shake the plant toward the bucket. UPDATE: we’ve found the best way to catch them in large numbers is to get 2 buckets. Be vigilant and check every day for new nymphs. Hand Picking – your best bet is to hand-pick the little buggers off and either dropping them into a cup of water or squishing them by hand. Throw a bag or tarp over the bug-infested plant and remove it. Trap Crops – you can use your Brassica crops to trap bugs in a concentrated area. Harlequin bugs are clever and can move quickly to the underside of leaves out of your way, so work quickly.

You must re-apply after rain or irrigation however, as it only works when dry. Sprinkling it on insects will poke holes in them and dehydrate them. Here are a few ways to control their nasty presence in your garden:ĭiatomaceous Earth – this powder consists of crushed up, single-celled organisms from a billion years ago. Their life cycle is between 50-80 days, and they tend to show up on fall or spring. mating with) another harlequin bug as they eat tiny holes in the leaves of cabbage family crops, sucking the life from them.Ĭlick here to see a Harlequin bug in all its stages of life: They are black and orange and are often found connected to (A.K.A. The Harlequin Bug (murgantia histrionica) is a True bug, and a stink bug – which you only find out when you squish one. They like brassicas – a lot – and this year they found my kale. If left to their own devices, they’ll mutilate a plant within an inch of its life. They look kind of funny, maybe even cute, but harlequin bugs are no laughing matter.

Harlequin bug pinbox