Kudzu beetles are little brown bugs that may invade a home for the winter. This article will provide some general information on where they came from and how you can control local infestations.
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Kudzu beetles are being reported throughout the southeast and have made the “invasive species” list for many states. This means they’re prolific, problematic and have some kind of economic impact.
KUDZU BEETLE BIOLOGY *
Known as the Bean Plataspid, kudzu beetles are native to India and China. The kudzu beetle’s scientific name is Megacopta cribraria and in it’s home country, they thrive on just about any plant commonly found in the yard or garden but seem especially fond of kudzu. Not surprisingly, states with abundant supplies of kudzu seem to have the most activity.
KUDZU BEETLE INVASIONS *
Since kudzu beetles overwinter or hibernate when it gets cold, they seek safe harborage for the winter on anything warm they can find. Houses make excellent places of refuge which is why so many homeowners are seeing them. Expect to see them begin accumulating anytime between spring and fall.
When found in the spring, kudzu beetles will be leaving the home for the upcoming warm months. When seen during the summer on the home, they are using the home as a nest site. And when found on the home in the fall, they are gathering to use the home for safe harborage for the upcoming cold of winter. The following video shows what they commonly do once they start invading the home:
KUDZU BEETLE CONTROL *
To keep them off the house, treat the siding of the home with CYPERMETHRIN. It work’s fast and should knock out the activity immediately. Cypermethrin is highly repellent which should keep them away and off the home for several weeks. Retreat as needed which will probably be a couple of times a month. This could be needed anytime from March through November.
ORGANIC KUDZU BEETLE SPRAY FOR THE YARD *
An organic alternative would be BUG PATROL. Labeled for use in the yard for plants and turf, it comes packaged in a handy “ready to spray” container so you only need to hook it to your garden hose and get to work with no mixing required. Bug Patrol isn’t as strong as the Cypermethrin so expect to treat more frequently if you choose this option.
ORGANIC GARDEN SPRAY FOR EDIBLE VEGETABLE PLANTS *
Lastly, if you’re finding them in your vegetable garden, go with the best organic option we know called MULTI PURPOSE INSECT KILLER. It’s safe enough to use daily if needed but in general, 1-2 treatments will take care of kudzu beetles for at least a few weeks.
Organic Insect Killer: http://www.bugspraycart.com/organic/liquid/multi-purpose-insect-killer-24-oz
KUDZU BEETLE CONTROL INSIDE THE HOME *
If you start seeing inside the home, treat with DFORCE AEROSOL. Dforce is fast acting and can last several weeks. It comes equipped with a crack and crevice straw tip making it ideally suited for treating all the small spaces where kudzu beetles like to hide. Direct treatments to baseboard molding, door frames and around windows where they may be entering. Again, retreat as needed which may be 1-2 a month until the invasion subsides.
Kudzu beetles are a relatively new pest here in the United States but they appear to be here to stay. To keep your home beetle free, treat the outside before they get it scented and marked which will no doubt attract more.
CONTACT US *
Give us a call if you need further help. Our toll free is 1-800-877-7290 and we’re open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and on Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time).
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