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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

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 22, 2024, 1:23 PM EDT

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