Knowledgebase
Insect Identification help #878099
Asked July 21, 2024, 11:03 AM EDT
I live in El Paso county and found these insects eating tomato crop and I can't identify them and wanted to see if you could help me so that I can get the proper pest control.
El Paso County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Dustin, thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your insect question.
The suspect in question is a 5th-instar Thyanta custator aka Stink Bug! These shield-shaped insects feed on such crops as tomatoes, beans, peaches, pears, apples, pistachios and almonds.
So, how do you rid your garden of stink bugs? It has to do with a bucket. See, there is a bucket list! You fill the bucket with warm soapy water and drop in the little stinkers.
The soapy water clogs their "pores" and they "drown within 20 to 40 seconds."
I hope you find this information helpful. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any further question.
Stacy S
Colorado Master Gardener Apprentice