Kudzu bugs
scouted Sept. 4, 2026
- Scientific Name
- Megacopra cribaria
- Background
- A soybean field in Beaufort County was being scouted, and it was observed that 1% of the field was affected by yellowing in random areas of the field, red staining at the base of the stem, and red fruiting structures on roots. A sample was submitted to the PDIC for diagnosis.
- Conclusion
- The issue was identified as kudzu bugs. Kudzu bugs have several generations per year and will feed on soybeans July-August. Kudzu bugs can have a significant impact on crop yields with untreated yields being reduced by up to 60%. The economic threshold for spraying is five bugs per plant until mid-July. After this time period net based sweep threshold of one nymphal-stage bug per sweep should be used. As Kudzu bug migrations can last several weeks it is recommended to only spray when nymphs are found on plants. Following the Kudzu bugs migration period during the early season, Kudzu bugs can normally be managed with a single spray. The insecticides effective against Kudzu bugs will also eliminate beneficial insects which puts fields at greater risk of infestations from other harmful insects.