Thank you for contacting the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desk.

The insect in the image you’ve provided, while very difficult to see due to the small size of the insect and resolution of the image, provides enough detail to determine the general type of insect in this image.

This insect appears to be what Entomologists refer to as a ‘true bug,’ and this insect appears to be in a juvenile or developing stage, resembling the adult version of the insect, only without wings. There are many species of ‘true bugs.’ However, most species found in gardens do not pose a threat to human health. Plant bugs are not a significant threat to garden plantings, unless they are present in large numbers.

At this time of year, given our warming temperatures, it is likely this insect (and others like it) have recently hatched from the over-wintering egg stage, and have emerged as a ‘nymph’ or juvenile stage as pictured in the image you sent. Since the developing stage of this insect does not have wings, it must physically move from suitable plant host to plant host.

As weeds and other plants begin to mature or dry down in our landscape, it is not uncommon that these newly emerged insects would move in large numbers into a more attractive garden planting or other area where they are not wanted. These insects may have also emerged from within the planting itself, gradually developing in size to the point where easily noticeable to the gardener.

You did not mention where this insect was seen - in a outdoor garden setting, or found indoors. If you saw this insect indoors, most likely this insect moved indoors through an open window, through a crack between a window and sill, or a door area. Being mobile at this stage, this would not be unusual. Excluding other insects from entering by sealing these entry points is the most direct and effective means of preventing other insects from appearing. In the event this insect was found indoors, we are attaching a University Of Arizona Cooperative Extension publication “ How to Bug Proof Your Home."

One strategy which may be potentially helpful in preventing this insect from re-appearing in future seasons, is to maintain areas around desirable plantings in your yard free of weeds and debris which may provide an over-wintering habitat.

With regard to garden plantings, this insect feeds on plants using it’s sucking mouthparts. Evidence of feeding on tender, young growth would appear as small spots, perhaps lighter in color, compared with undamaged areas of the plant in question. Tender young seedlings would be most susceptible to damage from an insect with these mouthparts.

Unless present in very large numbers, this insect would not pose a significant threat to a healthy garden. University of Nevada policy does not permit recommending commercial pesticides. If treating with an appropriate ‘environmentally friendly’ product like Neem oil or insecticidal soap, several precautions are in order:

We hope this information has been helpful.

Again, thank you for contacting the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Help Desk.

Lonnie & Martin

Master Gardeners