10 Tiny Green Bugs That Could Be Bugging You This Summer

Spring and summer are peak bug seasons, and for a good reason: the weather is warm and pleasant enough for insects to thrive. Unfortunately, this also means that you are likely to see a lot of bugs in your yard and around your home.

You might see an especially large uptick in tiny green bugs when the weather warms up. But why? What are these tiny green bugs and how can you stop them from bugging you?

Great questions and we’re here to help answer them. Join us today as we learn about 10 different types of tiny green bugs you might encounter during the summer.

Why Are So Many Bugs Out During The Spring And Summer?

1 children playing on a tire swing
Summer is fun, but it’s also full of bugs.

There really is no such thing as “pest season.” Pests are always present in one form or another. However, certain pests become more active during certain seasons. For example, ants and cockroaches are most active during the spring and summer months because they thrive in warmer temperatures.

The same goes for carpenter ants. So, while you may not be seeing more pests outside this month than last month, they may be becoming more noticeable because they’re doing what they do best – looking for food and mates!

Spring and summer are the time of year when many people notice an uptick of pests around their homes. There are several reasons why this happens, but one of the most common is that it is warm outside, as we mentioned above.

And the warmer it is outside, the more time people tend to spend outdoors. This means people are much more likely to come into contact with pests like tiny green bugs during spring and summer.

You can’t always control how many pests there are in your area, but you can make sure that you take steps to protect yourself from them. One way to do this is to seal up any cracks or holes around your home where pests could get into your house. Another way is to make sure that there isn’t anything around your home that would attract pests like insects or rodents such as food scraps or pet food left out overnight.

If there are any areas around your home where you have seen pests congregating such as under porches or behind sheds then it’s also important to keep these areas clean so that no food scraps or other debris gets left behind for them to eat on a regular basis.

Getting rid of the pests bugging is also most effective when you know what type of pest you’re dealing with.

But before we dive into the different types of tiny green bugs you’re probably running into this spring and summer, let’s take a closer look at what might be attracting these pests to your property.

What Attracts These Tiny Green Bugs To Your Yard?

2 orange flowers
Certain types of vegetation and flowers can attract different types of bugs.

Tiny green bugs are a common pest that can be found in many gardens and sometimes even in your home. If you’re seeing an influx of tiny green bugs, it’s a good idea to think about what might be attracting them. Some common attractants could include:

Excess water sources – Many types of insects love water. If you have bird baths, a backyard pond, or even a swimming pool, these could all be sources of water that attract tiny green bugs. Excess water can also attract bugs into your home, which is why it is important to fix leaky pipes or keep windows sealed during rainstorms. Avoid overwatering your garden to help reduce tiny green bugs and consider investing in a dehumidifier in your home if you live in an especially humid region.

Food sources – Food is another big attraction for tiny green bugs. Different species of bugs have different types of food sources they are attracted to, but oftentimes these bugs love to eat plants and flowers. If you have a lush garden, you may want to consider companion planting to help deter tiny green bugs and protect your ornamentals and vegetation.

Certain plants – As we mentioned above, plants can be a major food source for tiny green bugs. In fact, certain plants are even known to attract these pests more than others. Roses are one example of a plant that is very attractive to certain types of tiny green bugs because they produce nectar that these bugs love.

Porch and Garden Lights – Many tiny green bug species are attracted to light at night. If you are trying to get rid of them, consider turning off any outdoor lights that might be attracting the insects. You could also invest in yellow bug-repellent lights instead of fluorescent light bulbs, as certain types of yellow lights have been shown not to attract bugs as much.

Excess debris around your yard – Excess debris like wood piles, leaf litter, garden decore, fallen logs, or stones can serve as hiding places and even food sources for some types of tiny green bugs. Overgrown grasses or unruly gardens can also serve as hiding places or food sources for pests, which is why keeping your yard well maintained can help keep certain pests at bay.

Of course, in order to keep tiny green bugs at bay, you’ll want to have a better idea of what is bugging you.

So, without further ado, let’s talk about ten of the most common tiny green bugs you’ll encounter this summer.

1. Aphids

3 aphids
Aphids are some of the most common garden pests.

If you’re wondering about tiny green bugs, the first that come to mind are likely aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They’re often green or brown, and they can range in size from 1/10 to 1/8 inch long.

Aphids have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae and can produce a sticky substance called honeydew as they suck on the plant’s sap. Honeydew is an ideal environment for sooty mold fungus, and it also attracts ants.

When it comes to how to properly identify aphids, try looking for white cottony masses (wooly aphid) or white pearls (aphid eggs) on stems or leaves in your garden, as these are signs of an infestation.

Aphids are most likely to be found on tender new growth at the tops of stems or lower leaves on trees, shrubs, and garden plants including roses, lilacs, and grapes. These tiny green bugs also love shade-grown strawberries and raspberries!

The most common problem with aphids is that they suck the juices from the plant leaves. This damages young plant growth and can even lead to the death of the plants. This can also make your plants look sickly and unattractive.

There are several ways to get rid of aphids, including spraying them down with a jet of water. This is good for small infestations, but you’ll have to keep doing it as they keep coming back.

Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control aphid problems, as can using an insecticide such as pyrethrum.

2. Grasshoppers

4 a grasshopper
Grasshoppers can grow to be large, but as juveniles, they can be quite small.

Grasshoppers are tiny green bugs that are very common in the yard. The most common type of grasshopper is the locust. Locusts are found in every state and are considered to be a common nuisance pest. These insects can cause damage to plants, crops, and even property.

Adult grasshoppers can grow to be large insects that range in size from two to 12 inches long depending on their species and gender. However, some grasshoppers are quite small, which is why they are on our list of tiny green bugs.

Some grasshoppers have wings while others do not; however, all species have two pairs of wings with the hind pair being much smaller than the fore pair. Grasshoppers also have large heads, long antennae, and chewing mouthparts on the front part of their body called mandibles. They have three different life stages including egg stage, nymph stage, and adult stage with each stage looking slightly different from one another.

Grasshoppers prefer warm climates where they can find plenty of food sources such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, and other types of vegetation for them to eat; however, they can be found almost everywhere in the yard since they can survive on a variety of plants.

The best way to get rid of grasshoppers is by using insecticides such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) which are considered safe for humans but deadly for insects like these pests.

3. Green Stink Bugs

5 a green stink bug
Green stink bugs release a foul odor when crushed or disturbed.

Stink bugs are a type of shield-shaped bug with a distinctive odor when disturbed. They’re green, brown, or gray in color, and can be identified by the five-segmented antennae at the end of their heads. In general, stink bugs are about one-quarter inch long and have piercing mouthparts that pierce fruit and vegetable plant stems.

Stink bugs are a type of shield-shaped bug with a distinctive odor when disturbed. They’re green, brown, or gray in color, and can be identified by the five-segmented antennae at the end of their heads. In general, stink bugs are about one-quarter inch long and have piercing mouthparts that pierce fruit and vegetable plant stems.

These tiny green bugs prefer to hang out on the underside of leaves or branches. You might find them anywhere there’s shade, but they’re particularly common in older trees or shrubs near your home.

Stink bugs have been known to eat a variety of foods, including fruits such as apples and berries, vegetables like corn, tomatoes, and peppers, as well as some ornamental plants like petunias and geraniums. They can also feed on soybeans, alfalfa hay, cottonseed meal, and other crops grown commercially in fields owned by farmers across the country.

You can prevent an infestation of stink bugs from happening by protecting your garden using a quality form of year-round pest control that contains pyrethrins or Bt. You can also use a natural product known as Diatomaceous Earth.

4. Bush Crickets

6 bush crickets
Bush crickets are usually not harmful to plants.

Bush crickets are a common pest in the yard and garden, and they are common culprits for anyone looking up tiny green bugs. They can be identified by their long antennae, which are nearly as long as the body, and their bright green color.

Bush crickets feed on grass and other plants. They lay eggs in the soil, which hatch into nymphs. Nymphs look like adults except they have no wings and cannot reproduce.

These pests are usually found in sandy soil or where there has been recent disturbance such as construction or landscaping work. They live under rocks, mulch, or other debris in shady areas of your yard. They also hide during daylight hours in leaf litter, mulch, compost piles, and under boards or other objects near buildings.

Bush crickets can cause damage by chewing on plants, causing small holes in leaves that may appear wilted or browned from lack of moisture due to their saliva leaking out of these holes into the plant tissue. This can cause some plants to die from lack of water or nutrients resulting from this damage. If you see this type of damage on your plants it is likely that you have an infestation of bush crickets present somewhere nearby.

Unfortunately, bush crickets can be found in many different climates and are often seen in gardens, lawns, and farms. The best way to get rid of bush crickets is to use an insecticide that targets the pests directly. Again, insecticidal soap or products that contain pyrethrins or Bt can be helpful against these tiny green bugs.

5. Praying Mantis

7 a praying mantis
Praying mantises are considered beneficial insects in small numbers.

Praying mantises are insects native to the tropics and subtropics. They have enlarged forelegs that resemble praying hands, which they use to catch their prey. These unique forelegs are how they got their name, as you may have guessed.

Another distinguishing feature of the praying mantis is the large, triangular head with bulging eyes on either side of the head. The body is long and slender, with six legs on each side. The thorax (middle section) has wings folded under it, but they are not used for flight. Common colors range from green to brown to red and black, but there are many different species with different color patterns as well.

Most praying mantis bugs are large, growing to be a few inches in length once they reach adulthood. However, juvenile praying mantises can be quite small. Even young, baby praying mantises look similar to their adult counterparts, though you may see them and question what these tiny green bugs are if you didn’t realize this.

Praying mantises are quite interesting and fun to watch, and they can even help rid your garden of bad pests and other tiny green bugs you don’t want around. However, too many praying mantises may also lead to a reduction in good garden bugs like butterflies and bees.

Praying mantises prefer living in sunny places with plenty of vegetation for cover and food sources such as flowers and leaves. If you want to encourage praying mantises in your garden as a natural form of pest control, try planting plants that have soft green leaves. They don’t eat plants with broad leaves or thick bark, but they do like plants that produce nectar or pollen, such as hibiscus and dill flowers.

They’re not very picky about where they lay their eggs though, so it’s possible for them to lay their eggs in your garden even if there aren’t many plants for them to eat or lay their eggs on.

If you want to keep these tiny green bugs at bay, you can try making sure that there aren’t any aphids or other pests around that might attract praying mantises into your garden by spraying your plants with water from a hose or using natural pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

6. Cicadella Viridis

8 a leaf hopper on grass
Leaf hoppers are often confused for aphids.

Also known as leafhoppers, Cicadella viridis are small, green insects that are often mistaken for aphids or scale insects. They have a broad back, with wings that appear leathery or fuzzy. They have two pairs of wings: one pair is used for flying, while the other pair is used for resting.

The nymphs (immature cicadella viridis) have six legs, while adult females only have four legs because their front pair of legs are used for laying eggs in plant tissue. The adult males do not have any mouthparts as they do not eat anything.

These tiny green bugs favor warm weather and thrive in hot weather conditions outdoors. They prefer moist environments with plenty of shade (such as under leaves), so they’re often found near ponds or other water sources where they can find shelter from direct sunlight and predators.

Cicadella viridis are generally harmless, but they can sometimes become a nuisance. They are easy to identify because they have bright green bodies and transparent wings.

Cicadella viridis can be found throughout North America, except in Alaska. They are most commonly found in warm climates during the summer months when there is plenty of sunlight and vegetation for them to feed on. During the winter months, they hibernate under leaves until spring arrives again when they emerge looking for food once again.

Luckily, Cicadella viridis don’t cause any serious damage to plants or flowers, so there isn’t much reason to worry about them being around unless they start affecting your enjoyment of life by buzzing around your face constantly! If that happens then you’ll want to take action against them using a common form of garden insecticide.

7. Pale Green Assassin Bugs

9 an assassin bug
Assassin bugs are related to kissing bugs.

The pale green assassin bug is a member of the family Reduviidae, which includes a wide variety of insects, including bed bugs, kissing bugs and other blood-sucking pests. The pale green assassin bug is common in homes and gardens, especially during the summer months.

Pale green assassin bugs are small, oval-shaped insects that have a body length of about 1/4 inch. They have red eyes and black-colored heads, and their bodies are mostly green but may have some yellow or brown spots on them.

These tiny green bugs are most common in yards with lots of ornamental plants because they feed on flowers, leaves, and fruit. They can also be found in vegetable gardens if these gardens are not properly protected.

The pale green assassin bug is a member of the family Reduviidae, which includes a wide variety of insects, including bed bugs, kissing bugs and other blood-sucking pests. The pale green assassin bug is common in homes and gardens, especially during the summer months.

This is an insect predator that feeds on other insects, including flies and caterpillars. Adult pale green assassin bugs measure about 1/2 inch long with a black body and white markings on their wings and legs. The nymphs are similar in appearance to adults but smaller in size.

Pale green assassin bugs are not known to carry diseases or otherwise cause direct harm to humans or their pets. However, they can be an annoyance if they invade your property looking for food sources. They may also bite if handled roughly or stepped on accidentally by bare feet while walking around.

The best way to get rid of pale green assassin bugs is by removing them from your property before they have time to lay eggs or establish themselves as permanent residents in your home or yard. You can use an insecticide spray containing pyrethroid insecticides such as permethrin to help manage them.

8. Ambush Bugs

10 an ambush bug
Ambush bugs are unique-looking insects that feed on plants.

Ambush bugs are another common insect pest that can be found in the yard. These tiny green bugs feed on plant tissue, causing damage and stunting plant growth. They also feed on flowers and other flowering plants, which can lead to unsightly damage to garden plants.

These pests are named for their habit of hiding under leaves or other debris as they wait for prey. They’re often dark-colored but can be green, and have a shield-shaped body. They also have short antennae and large, forward-facing eyes that help them find their next meal.

Ambush bugs will hide under leaves or other debris until they find food — usually caterpillars or other soft insects. They’ll also hide out under stones, boards and other debris you might find in your yard from time to time.

Common problems with ambush bugs include plant damage. If you see brown spots on your plants or flowers it’s likely an indication that an ambush bug infestation has occurred at some point in time recently. The best way to get rid of these pests is by using pesticides designed specifically for killing off these insects such as Sevin dust, Pyrethrum spray, or Neem oil spray.

9. Green Lacewings

11 a green lacewing
Lacewings get their name from their lacy looking wings.

Other common tiny green bugs include Green lacewings. Green lacewings are a type of insect that looks like a tiny butterfly when fully grown and flying. However, when they land they are slender and not butterfly-like at all.

They’re sometimes called aphid lions because they feed on aphids and other small insects. The larvae are called aphid wolves because they have a strange, predator-like appearance.

Green lacewings are about 1/4 inch long and have large, broad wings (like those of a butterfly) with brown veins. Their bodies are dull green or brown and their heads are black. They look very similar to another common garden pest, the pale-faced assassin bug, which is slightly smaller than a green lacewing but has an all-black body, no wings and long legs that stick out beyond its body shape.

You’ll see these small insects flying around your yard, especially if you have an infestation of aphids or other pests such as whitefly or spider mites. They’ll also lay eggs inside houses during the warm months if there’s enough food available inside.

Luckily, green lacewings are beneficial insects that feed on aphids, mealybugs and other pests. They also lay eggs in their prey’s bodies, which hatch into larvae that eat the bugs from the inside out. The larvae then turn into pupae and emerge as adult lacewings.

However, these tiny green bugs can become an issue in greenhouses if there are too many of them present. This can be caused by high humidity or not enough natural predators to keep them in check. They tend to cluster near windows or other light sources, so it’s important to keep these areas clean so there aren’t any food sources for them nearby.

10. The Green Bottle Fly

12 a bottle fly
Bottle flies have shiny bodies that look like they are covered in oil.

The green bottle fly is a small, black, greenish, or yellowish fly that is commonly found in homes and other buildings. It breeds in garbage and animal feces. They are also attracted to honey, fruit juice, milk, and other sweet foods.

These tiny green bugs have a shiny green body that may look as if it has been covered in oil. The larvae are whitish maggots that live in soil or decaying organic matter. The adult flies live for about a month; however, it only takes about two weeks after hatching for the larvae to become adults themselves.

You will know if you have common green bottle flies because you will see them buzzing around your yard or house. They can range in size from 1/8 inch long to 1/4 inch long depending on whether they are male or female.

Common green bottle flies can become pests in the home because they can spread disease by walking through food items and spreading bacteria. They are also known for being quite annoying as they buzz around people’s heads while they try to eat or drink.

There are several ways you can get rid of common green bottle flies, but one of the most common is to establish good and clean habits around your yard and home such as storing food properly, storing garbage properly, and cleaning up pet waste around your yard.

Tiny Green Bugs – How To Keep Bugs From Bugging You This Summer

13 a leaf bug
Depending on the species, green bugs can be beneficial or damaging.

When summer is here in full swing, you’ll likely want to get out and enjoy the weather. While it’s great to be outside enjoying some fun in the sun, you’ll likely find yourself being bothered by a horde of tiny green bugs.

As we now know, many of these pests can be annoying and even destructive if not dealt with properly. The good news is that there are many things you can do to stop them from ruining your summer. Below are some tips on how to keep those tiny green bugs from bugging you:

  • Use a quality form of pest control
  • Keep up with routine home maintenance
  • Avoid planting plants that might attract pests
  • Keep your yard and home clean and free of debris
  • Use companion planting to repel pests
  • Invite the predators
  • Contact a professional if your pest problem is severe

We hope this has been a helpful guide on tiny green bugs! Now we want to hear from you. Are you dealing with any of the pests listed above?

Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

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