Leaf hoppers - Ask Extension
Each year I have tons of leafhoppers, gray, green and pink. I live by woods, creek and pond. They are in my grass, on vegetable crops and I believe th...
Knowledgebase
Leaf hoppers #854940
Asked November 08, 2023, 11:39 AM EST
Each year I have tons of leafhoppers, gray, green and pink. I live by woods, creek and pond. They are in my grass, on vegetable crops and I believe they damaged an ornamental bush. It is November and I am still seeing them. I read that they don’t overwinter. How do I reduce them. I have sprayed individual plants with neem/insecticidal soap. I was wondering if there is anything I can do this fall to help. Also, what beneficial insects would be good to purchase for leaf hoppers, aphids, asparagus beetles and Japanese beetles. I do have some lady bugs, tachnid flies and hover flies. I had lace wings but I wasn’t sure if they were the hood or bad ones. I’m not sure where/how to purchase.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
All of those beneficial insects will help with your leafhopper and other insect pest problems. One group of beneficial insects you didn't mention that are very helpful against leafhoppers are the predatory stink bugs. Stink bugs, especially the spined soldier bugs in the genus Podisus, are efficient predators of many pests in the yard and garden. Spined soldier bugs and other beneficial predators can be purchased and shipped to you from a variety of online retailers. If you'd like to read more about predatory stink bugs, please read this article from MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/michigan-insects-in-the-garden-season-2-week-5-predatory-stink-bugs