Sasha CampbellIf you’ve been struggling with the presence of kudzu bugs, you’re not alone. They can be a nuisance to some gardeners and homeowners.
These bugs love to feast on kudzu plants, which is how they got their name. They also eat other plants, like soybeans and wisteria.
Plus, they have been infiltrating homes and businesses in some regions of the United States.
So what can you do to get rid of them?
There are a few natural control methods that appear to be effective. We’ll highlight nine of them below.
Identification
Kudzu bugs are small, invasive insects that can cause significant damage to certain crops. They were first spotted in the United States in 2009 and have been spreading ever since [1].
They get their name from the kudzu plant, which is their favorite food. These little bugs prefer to eat, mate, and lay eggs on a kudzu vine.
If you’re seeing kudzu bugs in your garden, the first step is to identify them correctly.
They have an olive green color with brown speckles. When disturbed, they have a smell similar to that of stink bugs.
If you’re seeing an increasing number of these bugs on your plants, in your house, or on other structures, you may have a kudzu bug infestation.
How to Get Rid of Kudzu Bugs Naturally
There are several steps you can take to deter kudzu bugs.
One option is to use a homemade insecticide. This is an excellent option if you want to avoid using harsh chemicals in your garden.
There are also some tactics to help prevent these bugs from invading your home. This includes keeping your property clean and free of kudzu vines.
Below are more tips for controlling kudzu bugs. If you follow these suggestions, you can keep them away for good!
1. Seal Cracks and Crevices on Structures
You can do your part to help keep out kudzu bugs by sealing any cracks or crevices you find in your home or structure. This includes areas around windows and doors, as well as the foundation.
The critters like to hide in these spots, so if you close them up, you’ll make it harder for them to find a place to live.
2. Vacuuming
If you have a powerful vacuum cleaner, you can also suck up the bugs.
Next, empty the vacuum cleaner bag into a pail of soapy water. Otherwise, the kudzu bugs might find their way back into your house.
3. Soapy Water
If you spot kudzu bugs on your property, you can also reach for some soap and water. This home remedy is effective in killing stink bugs, so I assume it will work similarly for these bugs.
To make this homemade kudzu bug killer, mix 1/2 cup of dish soap with 1 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of hot water. Pour it into a spray bottle and then give the bugs a good squirt.
Knocking them off into a pail of plain soapy water will also do the trick, as it will suffocate them. However, if you’re not in the mood for DIY, try using an insecticidal soap that works against plant bugs.
4. Prune Plants
Pruning is the practice of cutting back parts of a plant to promote growth and health. It’s an effective way of controlling kudzu bugs because it helps decrease the population.
Giving your kudzu patches and other host plants a good trimming will disrupt the bugs’ sheltered locations.
5. Natural Predators
Some natural predators can also help with the situation.
The lady beetle is a great example. These insects will go after kudzu bug nymphs, so when you see one in your yard or garden, rejoice!
Other natural enemies that will attack the nymphs include green lacewings, big-eyed bugs, and damsel bugs [2].
6. Essential Oils
There are several essential oils that can be used to deter kudzu bugs.
Some of these oils include tea tree oil, lavender oil, and peppermint oil. All of these essential oils have a strong scent that will naturally repel the critters.
Add a few drops of your preferred oil to a spray bottle filled with water. Next, spray the mixture on the affected areas.
However, you will need to reapply the solution every few days until the bugs are gone.
7. Neem Oil
Neem oil is most effective against kudzu bug nymphs.
Just mix two teaspoons of neem oil with one teaspoon of liquid soap and a liter of water. Spray it directly on the pests.
You can also use it to treat the areas where they’re congregating.
8. Pick Them Off
You can pick the kudzu bugs off your plants by hand. This is the most tedious way to eliminate them, but it’s also the most organic.
Make sure to wear gloves when doing this, and be careful not to crush the bugs. Dispose of them in a sealed bag so they can’t escape.
9. Diatomaceous Earth
You may have heard of diatomaceous earth—it’s a natural product made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae.
DE works great against kudzu bugs because it causes them to dehydrate and die. Moreover, it’s non-toxic to people and pets. You can buy it at most home improvement stores or online.
Sprinkle it around woodpiles or other areas where these bugs tend to congregate. But avoid breathing in the dust.
Takeaway
Thanks for reading! These are just a few of the many natural methods to deal with kudzu bugs. Be sure to experiment with them to find the one that works best for you.
Preventing kudzu bugs from coming back is also not difficult. You need to take a few precautions:
Clean up by pruning excess plants or vines that might be attracting the bugs. You can also use natural pesticides, such as those mentioned in this post, to kill any existing bugs.
And most importantly, keep an eye out for these bugs and vacuum up any you see inside the home as soon as possible.
Do you have a preferred method for managing kudzu bugs? Let us know in the comments below!
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