Our dwarf pomegranate fruits have black holes all over them. The Assasin bugs always seem to get to them before we do. We also have a large pomegranate out back, and they seem to love it too.

I didn't know that assassin bugs will eat fruit. If the infestation isn't too bad, you could use a little vacuum cleaner to suck them all away.

They seem to pierce each piece of fruit and leave a black hole in it. They're covering the little tree. I blasted them with the hose, but it's probably too late to vacuum.

I don't think those are assassine bugs. They are more likely juvenile leaf-foot bugs, that is an adult in the second photo.

You're right, Horntoad! I Googled 'em and they are Leaf Footed bugs. There isn't a pomegranate that doesn't have at least one hole in it.


"The insects in your photos are Leaf Footed Bugs or Big Legged Bugs, probably Leptoglossus zonatus as depicted on BugGuide. We often see this species on ripe pomegranates in Elyria Canyon Park in the Mount Washington area of Los Angeles. The adult insects are also attracted to our tomatoes. These insects have sucking mouth parts rather than chewing mouth parts. The Leaf Footed Bugs use their sucking mouth parts to pierce the skin and suck the juices from the plants. Enzymes that the insects release create bruise-like irregularities in the fruit. The ripe pomegranates split their skins on their own."

How can you prevent them or get rid of them. I really want to grow some pomegranate and definitely don't want this to happen with mine if it can be avoided. Might be asking for too much?

I don't think I can help with that question. I want to cut ours down. I can think of other plants that won't be bug magnets to replace this one.

I would like to find out how to combat these nasty pests. They are always all over our garden, eating everything! The only trick I've had is to plant sunflowers so they go to them instead, and of course, it only partially works.

abhege, we have a new forum called Pests and Diseases on ATP. I believe someone there might be of help. Just post your question there. I have chopped my pomegranate down in the front yard. I do see a few bugs, but not nearly as many as were congregating on that small tree.

Okay, thanks!

I tried to link it to you, but I'm on the laptop and I'm not sure I can do it. try this link:
http://garden.org/forums/view/...

I got it! Thanks. I have posted it there.

Arlene, I found quite a few sites for controlling these bugs with chemicals, but other than hand-picking, there weren't many alternatives. This one is probably the best information I found. Let us know if you are successful controlling the bugs this summer.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu...

Thanks!