Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Black bugs
Question:	I have seen small, black, fast-crawling bugs that eat holes in my flowers. What can I do to stop these bugs? Will soapy water help? Thank you.
Answer:	I cannot be sure what you have from that description. You should identify the insect first because it might be a beneficial insect and you would not want to harm it. If it is not a beneficial insects, you might try a treatment of carbaryl (Sevin) or malathion. The soapy water might help, but is not usually as effective as a tested pesticide especially on a fast moving insect. Try to send me a image or a specimen so that I can identify it.
Related Link:
Related Link:
Image Link: **
Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
** Most of the Related Links above also contain images.