FriscoSoxFan said:

Here's a pictu

http://www.teachersassistant.net/ckr...s/DSC00300.JPG

Yellowy spots all over, the tomato feels slightly sticky. THere are
little (1/4 inch) amber colored insects on the plants with two small
black dots that run on thier backs near the tail.

What are they, what do I use to kill them, and how do I keep them away?

I'm not averse to chemicals.

This looks like the damage of some sort of true bug (Hemiptera), possibly
the tarnished plant bug or a close relative.

http://www.gnb.ca/0171/20/0171200010-e.asp
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/..._plant_bug.htm
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/factsh...hplantbug.html

Fall and earlyspring cleanup of host plants/sheltering areas is considered
vital. (Well, too late for that now, but important later.)

Pyrethroid-type insecticides recommended as the first choice (this is a
non-selective insecticide and will wipe out beneficials as well as the pest).
Sabadilla is a often recommended for 'true bug' control but may be hard to
find. Soap sprays may offer some control. This site recommends some
pesticides, but most of them sound like restricted use types:

http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/...cts/92-108.htm



--
Pat in Plymouth MI ('someplace.net' is comcast)

Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced.
(attributed to Don Marti)