Does anyone know what this bug is?

[Timmo]

The bug and (presumably) its droppings:

The damage:

They started showing up a couple of weeks ago. They can fly, but for the most part they're polite and hold still while I squish them. Should I spray them with something, or is it enough to just keep squishing them? So far, I've found two or three dozen.

 

[joinaunion]

Looks almost like a stink bug. Would need a closer pic.
Here's a article on stink bugs. Managing Pests in Gardens: Vegetables: Invertebrates—Stink bugs

 

[Jedthedog]

I would recommend this company .. SNS-29™ Systemic Pest Control Concentrate | Sierra Natural Science

 

[Timmo]

Union, it's too small to be a stink bug, but your link led me to the answer: lace bug. Lace Bugs Management Guidelines--UC IPM Apparently, it's not a serious threat to plant health, but they can produce several generations a year, so I think I'll step up the management efforts.

Jed, the SNS looks like a good product. I'll check it out.

Thanks, both of you.

 

[joinaunion]

Union, it's too small to be a stink bug, but your link led me to the answer: lace bug. Lace Bugs Management Guidelines--UC IPM Apparently, it's not a serious threat to plant health, but they can produce several generations a year, so I think I'll step up the management efforts.

Jed, the SNS looks like a good product. I'll check it out.

Thanks, both of you.

Nice find.

 

[Jedthedog]

SNS makes a couple products for bugs and spider mite control.. Good products that work ..

 

[Timmo]

I haven't tried them yet, but all the reports I've seen have been positive, so when the need arises again, I'll more than likely check them out.