Source: NCSU ENTOMOLOGY DEPT., 11/9/17


Colder temperatures are often accompanied by a surge in what we call “occasional invaders” and that “occasion” is now.
We have had a few reports of kudzu bugs making their way onto and into buildings. At this time of year, the bugs are heading out of soybeans and kudzu as they such for some place to pass the winter. In recent years, kudzu bug invasions had seem to taper off as a naturally occurring fungus, Beauveria bassiana, reduced populations in soybeans and other crops. However, numbers seem to be on the rise again.

Similarly, we’ve had a few calls about the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis, deciding its time to head indoors.(likely wanting to stake their claim to some prime areas before the kudzu bugs get there!). Most of the contacts I’ve had about the beetles have been from the western part of the state.

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