I found my first leafhopper in my vegetable garden. If you decide to kill an insect, you should determine whether it is a good bug or a pest. The leafhopper falls into the second category. While they may not overrun your garden, they will suck on leaves and inject their toxic saliva.
Features: They are 1/4″ long. There are many species but they are typically green, brown or yellow and may have bright colored markings. Leafhoppers jump or run sideways.
Damage: They can cause white specks on leave, yellowing of leaves and leaf curling. Also leafhoppers can adversely affect a plant’s growth.
Eggs:Â They lay their eggs in late spring in stems or in leaf veins.
Control Measures:  Ladybugs and lacewings will go after leafhopper eggs and young ones. Some folks use diatomaceous earth or spot treat with insecticidal soap.
Since I don’t have many, I will try to catch and kill. I usually use a plastic bag or container filled with water and dish detergent and try to flick the bad pest in the container.
If you missed my article on Blue Jays, just click on the link.
