Leaf-footed bug: A rising menace to gardens and fruit crops

When we dedicate a lot of time and energy to caring for our garden, we expect it to reward us with beautiful flowers and lush greenery. Unfortunately, these dreams can be suddenly destroyed by the appearance of pests, including the leaf-footed bug.

Insects in the garden can be useful and extremely harmful. Although the leaf-footed bug did not garner much attention until recently, many people have encountered it at least once.

The leaf-footed bug, classified as a true bug, is characterized by an elongated and oval body with a rusty coloration, reaching up to 1.5 centimetres (cm) in length. In a threatening situation, the leaf-footed bug may emit a strong, irritating odour. If this substance gets on fruits, it can cause them to lose their taste, affecting preserve quality.

Knowing where to look for it when it attacks plants is essential. This pest particularly favours peonies, hydrangeas, sow thistle, and dandelion. The leaf-footed bug also eagerly feeds on fruits such as raspberries, blackberries, and rhubarb.

Using its mouthparts, it sucks water and juices from plants, causing them to yellow, wilt, and in the case of fruits, to lose their pulp. Unfortunately, dedicated chemical means for its control have not yet been developed, and gardeners must use preparations for similar pests.

Removing weeds and carefully picking bugs off the leaves immediately upon spotting them can prevent plant damage.