Bagrada Bug

This is the Bagrada Bug. Your insect belongs to the Stink Bug family, Bagrada hilaris, known to emit a pungent odor when disturbed. It is not native to California but is from parts of Africa, southern Asia and southern Europe. First detected in southern California about 5 years ago. it is considered an “invasive” species and has the ability to cause severe damage to commercial crops in California. It feeds on edibles, vegetables and fruits, as well as alyssum and weeds. It sucks the nutrients and sap out of plants. Hand pick and squish if there are not too many. Or spray with an organic control for chewing insects such as Spinosad. Here is a link from University of California: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/pestalert/pabagradabug.html