How can you help?

First detectors and other citizen scientists are a vital asset helping researchers know where a pest is and how quickly it is spreading. With this information, we can develop effective management strategies for kudzu bug. Here is how you can help stop kudzubug by helping us figure out where it is and how fast it is spreading!

Learn what kudzu bug looks like!

The first step to helping us locate this pest is to know the enemy! Look at the information on the identification page of this site. This will familiarize you with what this pest looks like in its different stages of development. We also include some of the common look-alikes that you might find.

Watch to see where kudzu bug has been reported!

New reports of kudzu bug are always coming in. The distribution map will keep you informed about where it has been found and where the latest sightings have been reported. Although we do accept reports from counties that we know have the pest, reports from unlisted counties are our highest priority!

Report kudzu bug when you see it!

If you think you have found kudzu bug, we want to know about it. You can make a report through this website, or you can use the Southeast Early Detection Network smart phone app. All reports will be forwarded on to a dedicated team of verifiers. Be sure to include a clear photo with your report! A good photo makes it very easy for the scientists to make sure that it is kudzu bug. You will receive a notification after the report has been looked at to let you know if you were right.

Consider reporting other invasive species!

Kudzu bug will often be found on kudzu, soybean, and other legumes. There are other invasive species that scientists are trying to manage that can also be found on those hosts including soybean rust! If you are familiar with the different invasive species in your area, you can be a very effective champion of invasive species monitoring. Here are links to invasive species in your area and information on how you can identify the signs and symptoms of soybean rust on kudzu and soybean. These can be reported through the Southeast Early Detection Network smart phone app or through EDDMapS (the system that powers both the Apps and the reporting on this website). Reports for other invasive species will be verified by other teams of researchers such as the Soybean Rust PIPE.