Third instarnymphs were used to assess the growth performance ojcocoa mirid (Helopeltis theobromae Mi/fcr) while sucking on young cocoa shoots which had been exposed with or without nymphs to SO2 and NO2 either singly or in combination. Nymphs exposed simultaneously to SO2 while sucking on leaves produced better growth performance with mean growth rate being stimulated by 18.9%. Similar performance was observed on nymphs exposed to SO2 and NO2(in combination) i. e. by 34.3 % while insects exposed to NO2 performed differently. Non-fumigated nymphs fed on post fumigated leaves showed 20.0 % better performance when they emerged as adults. The results also provide evidence that the effects of these pollutants on the cocoa mirid s performance are indirect and mediated via changes in the biochemistry of the host plant.