Invasion of Beneficial Bugs (Pests) - Minute Pirate Bug

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Invasion of Beneficial Bugs (Pests) - Minute Pirate Bug

OhioGardener 7/18/2022, 5:33 pm

The invasion started late last summer, and has really increased this year. The beneficial bugs are the Minute Pirate Bug. They are a predator for the eggs of insects such as spider mites, thrips, jumping plant lice, and white fly. That is the good news. The bad news is that when they land on a human being they immediately pierce the skin to see if they just landed on a huge egg, and that pierce is a painful as a mosquito bite. It leaves a small welt on the skin, much like a mosquito bite would, but fortunately it only itches for a short time.

We appreciate having the beneficial insects to help control pests, but it would be nice if they weren't such a pest in the process.

____________________________
"In short, the soil food web feeds everything you eat and helps keep your favorite planet from getting too hot. Be nice to it." ~ Diane Miessler, "Grow Your Soil"

OhioGardener: Forum Moderator; Posts : 4552
Join date : 2018-08-06
Location : SW Ohio

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