Mullein plant bug (MPB) and apple brown bug (ABB) are occasional pests of apple and pear in New York. Because they occur in the same place at the same time and cause the same kind of damage, they are collectively referred to here as “mirid bugs.” In western New York, MPB is more prevalent than ABB. Both are considered beneficial for part of the season, being predators of pest mites and aphids. From bloom (when overwintering eggs hatch) until shortly after petal fall, however, they may severely damage fruit by feeding on flower parts or young fruitlets.