Occasional Invader

Kudzu Bug

Megacopta cribraria

Also known as: Bean Plataspid, Globular Stink Bug, Lablab Bug

The Kudzu Bug is an invasive species from Asia first detected in Georgia in 2009. It feeds on kudzu and soybeans and has become both an agricultural pest and a major fall home invader in the southeastern United States. Its defensive secretions are especially potent and can cause skin welts.

Identification

Size

4-6 mm

Color

Olive-green to brown with a mottled pattern; globular body shape

Key Trait

Very small and nearly round (globular); resembles a tiny beetle more than a typical stink bug; emits an extremely pungent defensive odor and can cause skin irritation.

Behavior & Habitat

Feeds on kudzu and legumes during summer. Aggregates on light-colored buildings in fall to overwinter. Produces an extremely foul-smelling defensive secretion that can cause skin irritation and welts on contact. Attracted to light colors and sunny surfaces.

Habitat: Kudzu patches, soybean fields, and legume crops in summer; exterior walls (especially light-colored), attics, and wall voids in fall and winter.

Diet: Kudzu vine, soybeans, wisteria, and other leguminous plants. Does not feed indoors.

Signs of Infestation

Small, round, olive-green bugs aggregating on light-colored exterior walls in fall
Extremely strong, unpleasant odor when bugs are disturbed or crushed
Skin irritation or welts from contact with defensive secretions

Risks & Damage

nuisance

Powerful defensive secretions cause an intense odor and can irritate skin, causing welts.

agricultural

Significant pest of soybeans, reducing yields by up to 19% in affected areas.

health

Defensive chemicals can cause contact dermatitis and skin welts in sensitive individuals.

Prevention Tips

1.Seal all exterior gaps and cracks before fall, especially on light-colored walls
2.Avoid crushing them - use a vacuum or soapy water to collect them
3.Remove kudzu vines from the property if present

Why DIY Treatment Often Falls Short

Kudzu bugs aggregate in huge numbers and hide in wall voids. Their potent defensive secretions make handling and crushing counterproductive, and surface sprays do not reach overwintering populations.

Professional Treatment

Professionals apply preventive perimeter treatments in late summer, perform exclusion work, and use specialized removal methods that minimize exposure to the potent defensive secretions.

Related Pests

Stink Bugoccasional invaders

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugoccasional invaders

Asian Lady Beetleoccasional invaders

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kudzu bugs hurt me?

They do not bite, but their defensive secretions can cause skin irritation, redness, and welts on contact. Avoid handling them and wash affected skin immediately.

Where did they come from?

Native to Asia, they were first detected near Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 and have since spread across the southeastern United States.

Do they only affect kudzu?

No. While they feed heavily on kudzu, they are a significant pest of soybeans and other legumes, causing yield losses up to 19% in affected fields.

Need Help With Kudzu bug?

If you're seeing signs of kudzu bug in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.

Schedule a Free Inspection Call (417) 238-0550

At a Glance

Category: Occasional Invaders
Scientific Name: Megacopta cribraria
Size: 4-6 mm
Color: Olive-green to brown with a mottled pattern; globular body shape
Key Trait: Very small and nearly round (globular); resembles a tiny beetle more than a typical stink bug; emits an extremely pungent defensive odor and can cause skin irritation.
Regions: Southeast, Gulf Coast, Mid Atlantic, Southwest
Threat Level: Low
Risk Types: nuisanceagriculturalhealth
Seasonal Activity: Mar
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