What is this bug? Is it bad or good? A: Harlequin Stink Bug

This is a harlequin stink bug, and it is a bad bug. Harlequin stink bugs can damage okra, causing pods to curl and develop unusual bumps or knobs. Learn how to identify these damaging stink bugs, recognize their barrel-shaped eggs on the undersides of leaves, and control them by scouting plants regularly and hand-picking the insects. While insecticides can be used, they must directly contact the bugs to be effective, which may be hard to do. These pests can also affect plants in the brassica family, making regular garden scouting important, especially when plants are stressed by hot weather.

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