The Red-Banded Stinkbug might be most serious pest we face in the Midsouth in 2010… or maybe not.
But, the fact is that this pest has moved into Mississippi, and might be here to stay. This insect is difficult to control, causes greater damage than other stinkbug species, and re-infests fields quickly after insecticide applications; three good reasons to know this insect, and how to identify him.
If you will note the very prominent spine protruding up from behind his rear pair of legs. This spine can easily be seen by naked eye, and readily distinguishes this small green stinkbug from the similar Red-Shouldered Stinkbug, which is much easier to control, and causes less damage.
Red-Banded Stinkbugs can migrate long distances in a hurry, so let us be vigilant, and watch for this pest in 2010.
