At what stage of growth is the Leaf-footed bug the most destructive and, most efficient environmental method of termination of life?

Answer #3 · Gardenality.com's Answer · I usually just pick them off with my hands and then use my thumb to squish the eggs on the undersides of leaves.)

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Floyd-I would think the most distructive stage in the life cycle of the leaffooted bugs is during the 5 stages of the numph development. This would be from egg hatching to the adult stage. I believe most of the damage would be caused by the nymphs damaging foliage and fruits by feeding on the juices or sap of leaves and fruit. Normally the damage caused to our garden plants foliage is small but damage to fruit and vegetables can be considerably more if infestation is large. After adults emerge from their overwintering stage they lay eggs on leaves and stems of plants. I noted a few links to articles that may help you with the identification of the eggs and control of this insect. Once you know what the eggs look like you can control this insect by searchng out and distroying the eggs. I try never to use chemical insecticides to control these types of insects as you have to be careful when using some on fruits and vegetables. It sounds like you also would like to use a safe organic or botanical products. These types of products will not harm beneficial insects that can also help to control this and many other insects. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these sap sucking insects. Neem oil works as a growth regulator for these types on insects that actually ingest the neem on plant tissue and in the sap.

http://www.ent.uga.edu/veg/solanaceous/leaffootedbuts.htm

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74168.html

Hopefully this has helped. Please ask if you have any other questions.

John)

Answer #2 · Floyd Elliott's Answer · John,
I, thank you for your understanding of the bug in question and the best way to get rid of them.
As I understand, Leaf-footed bugs are also known as the Squash bug.
The darndest place of infestation is my African Iris.
NO where near my Squash.
Thanks again John.
Cordially;
FLOYD)