Pomegranate pests

As a follow up to my Wonderful Pomegranate post last week, a word of caution about a critter that can do some damage to your fruit.

This is the evil Leaffooted Bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus). These things can measure up to an inch long and can fly. They are interesting critters since they move slowly on branches and fruit and sometimes they’ll turn and watch you with wary eyes.

Although a bit amusing to watch, this pest will bore holes into the ripening pomegranates causing brown spoiled spots and eventually it falls to the ground in a pile of rotting fruit. (Note: these pests not only damage pomees but can wreck havoc on many kinds of crops, including fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and ornamentals.)


Scouting is necessary because of the nature of the leaffooted bugs’ damage. Damage produced is similar to that produced by stink bugs, and be warned ... and, speaking of stinky, these bugs also can emit a distinctive odor when handled.

Leaffooted bugs hide in the tops of trees and are often camouflaged by the tree canopy, so some sites suggest taking a long pole and giving the tree a good whack. If disturbed, the bug will take off and usually land nearby, giving you a chance to take a closer look at it and make an ID.

These bugs have long sucking mouthparts that they use to suck the juice from seeds that don't have a hard coat which is why they really love pomegranates. They overwinter as adults in weeds or debris piles so clean up the area around your trees. Also watch for their eggs and young nymphs in the early spring.

According to the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, nymphs of the leaffooted bug have much the same shape as adults, but do not acquire the flattened leaf-like hind tibial expansions until well along toward becoming adults. Eggs are golden brown and are laid in a single row or chain along a stem or leaf midrib. They are somewhat cylindrical, flattened on the undersides and at the ends and are closely laid end to end, forming a stiff cylindrical rod in which each egg appears as a joint or cell. (Photograph by: Lyle J. Buss, University of Florida)

A few tips to help eradicate the pests naturally without chemicals include...

One lady wrote in the VPA forum... “I staple paper bags over my immature pomegranates to keep the bugs off - but like Anita, I have had far fewer leaffooted bugs this year since I got chickens so I too am assuming that many of the nymphs became chicken treats. The nymphs are bright red and black and have a much smaller 'foot'. I handpick any adults I see and drop them in soapy water - just like squash bugs. ...”

Another member wrote .. “Hand picking of the adults seems to work best for me at dawn or dusk - they don't seem to fly away as fast as they do during the daytime.”

And eHow.com suggests planting Mexican milkweed, which attracts ladybugs and lacewings which prey on young leaf-footed bugs.

If we use any bug control spray around our place, it's pyrethrum (made from certain species of the chrysanthemum) and have read another non-toxic solution called Multi Purpose Insect Killer is used on organic gardens.

So just remember to watch for the bright red nymphs in the spring and don’t let the adults get out of control in the summer and fall months ... and happy harvesting!

Sources (and learn more) at:
  GrowingProduce.com
  University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences
  Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
  Valley Permaculture Alliance forum

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