Subject: What bug is this
Geographic location of the bug: Randburg
Date: 01/18/2019
Time: 02:02 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hi there
I have these bugs crawling on and around my front wall, including the electricity meter. Are they Soapberry or Cotton Stainer bugs, or something completely different? Are they hazardous to the garden or pets, and how best would you recommend getting rid of them, or preventing them? Thanks
How you want your letter signed: Gareth, Randburg
Dear Gareth,
Is Randburg in South Africa? In our opinion, these are Cotton Stainers in the genus Dysdercus. They might be Dysdercus nigrofasciatus which is pictured on FlickR, or possibly Dysdercus fasciatus which is pictured on Project Noah. There are reported to be several similar looking species in South Africa. We do not provide extermination advice.