Connecticut, would you kindly take these bugs?

  As far as I can tell, there is only one downside to this "organic" gardening. Growing fruit and veggies that are bug-free is hard work! Don't get me wrong, I always have gardened this way and always will but, still, sometimes things get a bit frustrating.  While I am used to going out and handpicking tomato worms, I draw the line at doing the same to stinkbugs.  Those things are just foul!  I must find an easier, more nose-friendly method of eliminating these critters from my tomato plants.  

  Late this evening, I went out with Ms. Ez.  The old dog needed a bit of attention so a walk was in order.  My good intentions were waylaid by critters.   The tomato plants were literally covered with the Leaf-footed Bugs.  These are large insects that belong to that smelly group of stinkbugs.  They climb around on the plants ruining any fruit that dares look delightfully edible.  The bug sticks its long proboscis in through the tender flesh and sucks portions of it dry.  After getting its fill, the critter moves on to another tomato but the damage to the first one is not finished. Hard knots form around the point of proboscis entry rendering the fruit just about unusable.  The unsightly blemishes make for one unappetizing tomato.

  I counted over two dozen of the Leaf-footed Bugs on one plant.  They were all grouped together in wads so at least that part was easy. Smash! I killed dozens upon dozens of the varmints!  Poor Ms. Ez was in no way pleased with our shortened walk.  Strange thing is, I now find that some misguided folks in Connecticut are advising people to "gently grasp the insects and move them to a more suitable location". (And they are talking about the same bug here!) Right!  Let me know how that is working for you, Kind, Gentle Folks of Connecticut!  I hate to tell you but these things will come right back to haunt you if you let them! I do believe that most folks in Connecticut, just like here on the Bayou, realize that sometimes it is better to get rid of bugs instead of inviting them to be house-guests. Come this winter, those who refuse to eradicate them, will find them as squatters in their homes. The bugs will (and really do.) love to invade the closet and snuggle down in warm clothes to overwinter.  Moving them to a "more suitable" location is out of the question for me.....unless!  Unless, I can move them right on up to a more suitable location in Connecticut!  That should keep them off my tomatoes!