How to Kill Harlequin Bugs

Harlequin bugs are stink bugs with red, orange or yellow markings.

Harlequin bugs, also known as stink bugs, are pests that suck out the life from their host plants, which can cause gardens and crops to wilt, brown and die. In particular, they are attracted to cabbage, horseradish, cauliflower, turnip and radish, but if none of these plants are available they will settle for tomatoes, eggplant, asparagus, fruit trees and field crops. Harlequin bugs can be recognized by a big "X" that appears on their backs and can be found throughout North America, though they tend to prefer warmer climates. Because the pests can wipe out whole crop fields, it is important to get rid of them immediately.

Things You'll Need

• Insecticide containing rotenone
• Zip-top bag
• Diatomaceous earth
• Straw

Instructions

1. Apply an insecticide containing rotenone on all of the plants in your garden; insecticides containing this ingredient may be found at most home improvement or garden supply stores. Reapply the insecticide weekly until the harlequin bugs are gone.

2. Pull out all weeds from your garden because they act as a hiding place for the pests.

3. Remove the bugs by hand from your plants. Place the bugs into a zip-top bag filled halfway with water. Zip the bag and dispose of it into a trash receptacle.

4. Lay down a layer of diatomaceous earth on top of the soil in your garden. Diatomaceous earth is a type of marine fossil product that acts as an insect killer because its particles have sharp edges that cut through an insect's exoskeleton and kill it.

5. Plant vegetables such as kale or mustard plants in a designated, isolated area in your garden in early spring; these plants act as traps for harlequin bugs. The bugs will be drawn to these plants, and once you see that they have inhabited the plants, cover the plants with straw and set them on fire. This will wipe out the entire colony. Do not leave the fire unattended until the plants have been completely destroyed. Keep a garden hose at your side in case the fire begins to spread.

References

• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Studies: Harlequin Bug
• "Natural Insect Control"; Warren Schultz; 1994
• Stink Bugs Guide: Stink Bug Control