Article from UC Extension Master Gardeners for Tribune H ...



Article from UC Extension Master Gardeners for Tribune H & G column Friday 6/15/07

Pet Indian Walking Sticks Are Local Pests

By Mary Giambalvo

Q Are walking stick insects in my garden beneficial or bad?

A The Indian walking stick (Carausius morosus) is a major pest in the gardens of a few select neighborhoods throughout San Luis Obispo County and Southern California. It chomps its way through large amounts of shrub leaves at night while hiding out during the day.

Generally, the problem begins with one walking stick that was purchased as a pet or school science project and is accidentally or deliberately released outdoors. Soon the entire neighborhood is infested because one insect can produce thousands of fertile eggs all by itself during its 18 month life cycle.

Indian walking sticks, mimicking green or tan twigs, are about 4 inches long. Because they resemble plant stems, they are often overlooked. They are camouflage experts and lurk patiently in the shrubbery during the day, venturing out at night to feed on our prized plants. The easiest way to spot them is in the evening with a flashlight.

At present there are no pesticides, organic or otherwise, labeled to eradicate the walking stick. This may change as it increases its presence in California.

The current recommendation is to flush out these pests, possibly with a blast of water and then snip them in half with scissors. For the squeamish, a well-placed fly swatter may do the trick. Persistence is the key.

Meanwhile, let's encourage those who keep Indian walking sticks as pets to take precautions to prevent their escape.

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