Bed bug on a leaf.
Bed bugs, sometimes called shield bugs, are members of the order Hemiptera. These insects get their apt name because they have small glands located on the thorax that are capable of emitting a foul-smelling liquid. This ability is believed to be a defense mechanism that can be employed against predators; when a bedbug is mistreated, for example, it releases a foul odor.
Characteristic
Color thumbtack.
There are thousands of species of bed bugs throughout the world. Two of the best known species are the brown bug (Euschistus servus) and the green bug (Acrosternum hilare or Chinavia hilaris). Both are commonly found in the United States and other countries, especially in Asia, where many species are believed to have originated.
Bed bugs range in color from brown to bright green, although many are duller shades designed to blend in with vegetation; some, however, have bright orange markings that serve as a warning to predators. Almost all species are distinguished by a triangle-shaped plate or shield on their back. Bed bugs are part of an order of insects sometimes called “true bed bugs,” which do not chew with their mouths; instead, they have a proboscis that allows them to suck liquids from vegetation or other creatures.
Useful life
Bed bugs can damage cotton fields.
Many species of bed bugs reproduce rapidly, and some lay eggs several times a year. Females typically lay several batches of eggs, usually on plant leaves, which hatch in about a week; it usually takes several more weeks for the insects to mature from nymphs to adults. Nymphs closely resemble adults, although adults have four wings and nymphs have none.
Bed bugs are often attracted to beans.
These insects are generally active from spring to late fall in most regions. At night they are attracted to light and therefore can sometimes be seen flying. They often walk through different types of vegetation, especially tomatoes, melons, and beans.
agricultural pests
Most bed bugs are herbivorous, making them a serious pest for agriculture and home gardeners. In significant numbers, these species can be very damaging to crops, especially peaches, soybeans, cotton, and cereals. Certain species can damage stems so that the plant cannot produce grain, or even kill seedlings. When they feed on peaches and tomatoes, they can create ugly scars and malformations called “cat faces.”
Bed bugs can be very damaging to peach orchards.
Some species of bugs are considered useful and not harmful to plants. The anchor bug (Stiretrus anchorago) and the rough bug (Brochymena arborea), for example, attack caterpillars, beetles, and other pests. Before assuming that a bed bug is harmful, a gardener can try to identify it.
pest control
Bed bugs can be difficult to control because they are resistant to some insecticides; However, there are a few varieties that work and can be tried if bugs become a problem. If they are in a garden, cleaning the area thoroughly, including pulling and removing weeds, disposing of all leaf litter and other debris, and washing pots and other garden items, can help reduce their numbers. Using a pressure washer to clean the exterior of a house and any other external structures can also help.
Bed bugs are attracted to tomato plants.
Homeowners should keep doors and windows tightly closed to keep out insects, as they often seek shelter indoors during the winter. If bed bugs are found inside a home, they can be carefully vacuumed or picked up by hand and removed quickly. People should be careful when dealing with bed bugs; they are not harmful to humans, but release their odor when handled roughly. The unpleasant odor tends to linger, but unlike the similar odor of a skunk, the odor can be washed off with soap and water.
bedbugs as food
Insecticides, which can be sprayed with sprayers, can be used to control bed bug populations that threaten farms.
Stink bugs are eaten in some parts of the world, and people who eat them often say that the strong smell of stink bugs enhances their flavor. In Laos, they are sometimes eaten fried or mixed into a paste along with spices and herbs. They are sometimes eaten alive in Mexico or mixed with salsa or used as part of the taco filling.