Bagrada hilaris

The Bagrada bug, Bagrada hilaris, is a small but formidable pest that targets Brassica crops with alarming efficiency. Native to Africa and now invasive in many parts of the world, these shield-shaped insects feed by piercing leaves and stems, injecting enzymes that leave behind starburst-shaped scars. As they suck nutrients from seedlings, the result is wilting, stunting, and often the total collapse of young transplants. 

Because Bagrada bugs feed openly and move in groups, infestations can escalate quickly. Relying on reactive sprays or treatments after damage is visible is usually too late. Prevention is the gardener’s best defense. Early detection through careful monitoring, combined with exclusion and consistent organic interventions, is more effective than chasing outbreaks. Left uncontrolled, these bugs can devastate entire plantings of cabbage, broccoli, kale, and mustard.

Preventatively, remove nearby weedy hosts such as wild mustard or shepherd’s purse that serve as breeding grounds. Use fine mesh row covers during seedling establishment, and destroy crop residues promptly after harvest. In areas with previous infestations, begin spraying with organic oils or biologicals before visible damage appears. Beauveria bassiana–based sprays are especially effective when applied in the early nymph stages and repeated as necessary.

• Biologicals

  •  Eco-Bb, a Beauveria bassiana fungus, is effective against nymph and adult stages.

• Organics

• Biogrow Pyrol
  A natural contact insecticide combining canola oil and pyrethrins. Effective on soft-bodied pests and young nymphs. Spray thoroughly on leaf surfaces and repeat every 7–10 days under severe pressure.

• Biogrow Bioneem
  A neem-based insect growth regulator. Prevents moulting and feeding in immature stages. Best used in rotation with Pyrol or Neudosan.

• Biogrow Neudosan
  A potassium salt of fatty acids that kills pests by disrupting their cell membranes. Use as a contact spray against nymphs and adults.