During this time adults lay eggs in the stems that remain dormant until the following season. There is one generation produced per year. If high numbers of plant bugs are present and new growth is being seriously suppressed, control is likely warranted. The insect is moderately easy to control with insecticides. For a homeowner situation blasting the new growth with a strong jet of water should also help.
Damage is done by the larvae, which are light green-gray caterpillars with black spotting.
They feed on the leaves and frequently defoliate plants. Infestations usually work their way from the interior of the plant outwards and the earliest signs of the insect are small holes cut in the interior of leaves. The adult females are a pale brown non-stinging wasp and they lay eggs on the main veins of the leaf underside. A strong jet of water, insecticidal soaps, and pyrethrins all are effective. Flea Beetles One of the earliest garden visitors are flea beetles.