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Problem beetles? #808912

Asked August 31, 2022, 1:38 PM EDT

I have never seen these before but now on some new landscaping. This one is on an almond bush. 1. What is it? 2. Best way to keep them from eating the bushes?

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.

This is a late instar (nymph) stage of a green stinkbug (Chinavia hilaris). It is extremely common in Minnesota but especially so in Hennepin County. See:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/885510

It feeds on plant juices. It especially favors juices from nuts. It’s not surprising then that you found it on your almond bush. They are harmless to humans and do not bite. They will do cosmetic damage to plants but usually will not kill them. While you could use some type of insecticide to get rid of them, in the process you will also destroy a large number of beneficial pollinators. Our suggestion is just physically remove them and put them into a bucket of soapy water. This will kill them.  After their demise scoop them out, put in a plastic bag, and dispose in the trash. Here is some information on these and related points:

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/green_stink_bug.html

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-about-stink-bugs

https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/green-stink-bug

Thanks for using our forum.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 01, 2022, 5:01 PM EDT

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