Blog Layout

What is a Leaf-Footed Bug?

YESpestpros • December 29, 2020

It doesn’t matter which season of the year we are in because, as homeowners, we must be aware of the crawling creatures that appear in or around our homes.

One of those pesky creatures you can find is the leaf-footed bugs. Let’s consider:

  • What is a leaf-footed bug?
  • Are leaf-footed bugs dangerous?
  • How can I get rid of leaf-footed bugs?

What is a Leaf-Footed Bug?

There are a variety of insects that take on the appearance of leaves. So how can you differentiate the leaf-footed bugs, scientifically known as Leptoglossus?

What They Look Like Before Adulthood

As with many living things, leaf-footed bugs change in appearance as they grow. When the female lays eggs, usually in mid-late June, they look like short chains of small and brown cylinders. 

Eggs take about ten days to hatch, and then you get nymphs. These nymphs have dark heads, dark legs, and bodies that range in color from orange to reddish-brown. It takes about five weeks for the nymphs to reach adulthood.

What They Look Like in Adulthood

The name itself allows us to identify these bugs by the leaf-like protrusions on each hind leg. The protrusions have a similar appearance to dry brown leaves, so the insect isn’t easily noticed. 

They have a narrow brown body in adulthood and will range from about half an inch to one inch in size. All species are also distinguished by long antennae and white markings in a zig-zag pattern on their wings.

The more common leaf-footed bugs come in three main species:

  • Leptoglossus occidentalis. This species has no additional characteristics than those mentioned above. The markings on its wings are less prominent.
  • Leptoglossus zonatus. This species has two yellow spots on the pronotum , located behind the head.
  • Leptoglossus clypealis. This species has a clypeus , a thorn-like projection that extends forward from the tip of the head.

Are Leaf-Footed Bugs Dangerous?

The leaf-footed bug has a piercing/sucking mouthpart. That might make them seem terrifying, but they are only a threat to the different things they feed on like:

  • Fruits trees. Those common in Indiana include apple trees, peach trees, and pear trees.
  • Fruit bushes. These include strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.
  • Vegetables. They enjoy various squash, tomatoes, and even peppers, like sweet bell peppers and hot peppers.

If you find them in your garden around your home, don’t be afraid; they don’t bite humans. Keep in mind that they have been known to fly, but they aren’t poisonous and haven’t been known to carry parasites. But how can you keep the things you plant safe?

How Can I Get Rid of Leaf-Footed Bugs?

Leaf-footed bugs will harm your fruits and vegetables, which is why you should get rid of them. Some natural ways of getting rid of these bugs are:

  • Distract them from the fruits and vegetables with other plants. Sunflowers are an example of plants that attract the leaf-footed bug.
  • Repel them using diatomaceous earth or neem oil.
  • Attract some of their predators like birds, lizards, and frogs.

Do You Still Have Leaf-Footed Bugs?

Sometimes you won’t be able to get rid of an infestation using natural methods. If you have leaf-footed bugs or any other bug infestation, contact the YES Pest Pros for a free consultation. 

We offer solutions to your pest problems using environmentally-friendly pesticides, and in some cases, no pesticides at all!

The post What is a Leaf-Footed Bug? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Bugs Feed on Human Blood? Blood Eating Bugs

June 15, 2022
Insects that feed on human blood can cause incredible discomfort. In many cases, we don't even know we've been bitten until after they have had their meal. Some inject an anticoagulant into the bloodstream to suck up their meal faster, while others clamp on and indulge in our life-preserving liquid. It helps to know which of these creatures to be watchful of before they attack. That way, we can take active steps to avoid the misery before they get a chance to start.

Can Fleas Travel on Clothing?

June 15, 2022
We often think of fleas as a nuisance for your cat or dog. They have an annoying way of getting into their fur, and it can be a real problem to get them out. But it is their uncanny ability to get into your home and cause a significant infestation that is a source of concern for many, especially if their presence is not properly eliminated. This has become a significant problem for many people. No doubt, the best way to ensure you don’t get a flea infestation in your home is to make sure they never get inside in the first place.

Are Bed Bugs Visible With the Naked Eye?

June 15, 2022
Waking up with tiny little bite marks all over your body is never a good thing. As you look at your irritated skin with the tell-tale red spots that itch persistently, you're sure that they result from bed bugs. No one wants their bed infested with these creatures, so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible. But before you decide to launch an all-out attack on these irritants, you need to be sure of what you're dealing with. Unfortunately, plenty of other pests may invade your mattress, and using the wrong treatment to eliminate the problem could delay getting you relief or even worsen the situation. Before you decide on a method of extermination, you need to make sure of what you're actually dealing with. Still, because these bugs are so tiny, you might wonder if they can be seen with the naked eye. The answer is - sometimes. Bed bugs are usually visible in the later stages of development, but there's a good chance that if you can identify bed bugs in their adult stage, many younger ones are lying around, just waiting to take a bite out of you.

Are Carpet Beetles Dangerous?

June 15, 2022
As their name implies, carpet beetles infest carpets and other fibers and are especially active during springtime. The first sign of an infestation is often a dead carpet beetle trapped in a window sill. But you can be sure if there’s one; there are many more. Carpet beetles typically live outdoors but are wintering insects . They will seek the warm cozy interior of your home after temperatures drop, and once inside, they become a threat to your property and food and can cause rashes with their tiny hairs. Carpet beetles feature: “Mottled” coloring of black, brown, white, or yellow. Oval-shaped bodies. Adult length between 1/16 - 1/8 inches. The first concern with any infestation is safety.

What Spring Bugs Should You be on The Lookout For?

June 15, 2022
As spring approaches and temperatures begin to rise, all sorts of creepy crawlies emerge in search of food, warmth, and a place to reproduce. Unfortunately, your home could be the perfect place to find all three. If you're not quick to eliminate these pests, you could have a serious infestation on your hands. Here are a few spring bugs that you should keep an eye out for as winter comes to an end. 

Are Spiders Active in Winter?

By YESpestpros • June 15, 2022
Aracniphobs everywhere look to winter as a moment’s respite from spiders. The myth goes that spiders are cold-blooded and can’t survive the winter, but the truth is complex. There are 400 different species of spider in Indiana and 3,500 nationwide. Each one has different behaviors and approaches to surviving the cold. Some die off before winter, like the North American black and yellow garden spider, but others adapt. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Get Rid of Moths

By YESpestpros • February 28, 2022
Moths can be pretty pesky little things; the larvae they leave behind can quickly chew through a wide variety of substances, including your clothes, bedding, and food. In addition, many people can have adverse allergic reactions when they are in their vicinity.  While moths play an essential role in our environment, they tend to be […] The post How to Get Rid of Moths appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

What Types of Ticks are Dangerous?

By YESpestpros • February 15, 2022
At first glance, ticks do not appear to be dangerous. But don’t let their tiny size and small mouths fool you. These guys are voracious eaters, and the females are known to suck at least 200 times their body weight in blood. They need this feeding cycle to develop through the different stages in their […] The post What Types of Ticks are Dangerous? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard

By YESpestpros • January 30, 2022
Nothing can make a homeowner more proud than the exterior beauty of a perfectly landscaped yard. However, all your dedication to beautifying your outdoor space can be tainted when you have underground guests come to visit.  When you start to notice a series of small holes in your yard that seem to emerge out of […] The post How to Get Rid of Moles in Your Yard appeared first on Yes Pest Control.

Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful?

By YESpestpros • January 15, 2022
So you’ve been noticing strange things happening in your house, and you assume that you have a rodent problem. You’ve noticed the corners of your cereal boxes appear to be chewed on. You found a hole in your couch cushions. You may have even seen a mouse or two in the house! But now you’ve […] The post Can Mouse Droppings be Harmful? appeared first on Yes Pest Control.
More Posts
Share by: