DANIELSVILLE — Residents in northeast Georgia say kudzu bugs are swarming on yards, fields and front porches.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports (http://bit.ly/Rlmp5Z) that the new invasive pest is continuing its aggressive proliferation across the South.

The small green bugs, about the size and shape of native ladybugs, have spread into six states since they were discovered in the Atlanta area in 2009.

Madison County Extension Service agent Adam Speir finds himself picking the bugs off his clothing when he arrives for work.

Speir said kudzu bugs are native to Asia, where they feed on the kudzu vine, but they also feed on legumes, including soybeans, peas and beans.

He said there is speculation that the bugs arrived in Georgia on a flight from Asia that landed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.