Green Shield bugs can be a problem!

I have had an explosion of sheild bugs in my garden in the last couple of years and they nibble all the soft fruit, particularly raspberries. The only solution is to pick them off by hand, but it doesn't really work, they just keep coming!

Re: Green Shield bugs can be a problem!

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, Meg!
Very annoying pests! I am guessing, since these shield bugs are a problem, they must be the non-native southern green shield bug, recently introduced in the UK from other parts of Europe. It was first spotted in London in 2003 but is quickly spreading. Where do you live? If outside London, you might want to report your pest to Garden Organic charity as they are trying to keep track of where this pest is heading. To control without chemicals, they suggest introducing/inviting beneficial insects into the garden. If you want to use a pesticide, there a quite a few that will tackle this nuisance.
Kathy C

Re: Re: Green Shield bugs can be a problem!

Reply from Nicola

Hi all here is a link to an informative page about this pest. New pest could pose threat to UK gardens as country warms up
Cheers Nicola