Organic Pest Control of Bean Beatles

Bean beetles, also generally known as Mexican bean beetles (Epilachna varivestis), closely resemble ladybugs, with their shape as well as spots. Their bodies feature quantify and 16 black spots . Bean beetle larvae are orange or yellowish spiky-looking, fat grubs that step about 1/3 inch. Mature bean beetles nest from leaves and garden debris, where they spend their winters before emerging in late spring to lay eggs. These garden pests ruin leaves of bean plants damaging and killing plants. Organic pest management measures minimize damaging outbreaks without contaminating crops.

Avoid Infestations

As Benjamin Franklin famously quipped,”A ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” Putting floating row covers over young bean plants and seedlings helps stop bean beetles from destroying crops, preventing them from hatching and laying eggs. Other simple ways to minimize infestations include planting resistant bean cultivars and planting beans as soon as possible to harvest plants before August and July times for bean beetle damage. So bean beetles won’t have places to nest for the 24, It’s also beneficial to remove debris and foliage following harvesting plants.

Foiled Again

According to the University of California, aluminum foil mulch to repel insects, including bean beetles can be used by gardeners. The mulch works by reflecting the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which discourages flying pests from landing on the bean plants. Before planting beans, remove. Cover the planting area with construction paper, burying the borders of each sheet to hold the mulch in place. Cut a 3- to 6-inch diameter hole in the mulch, planting seeds or transplanted bean plants in the pit.

Companion Planting

Interspersing bean plants with companion plants enables gardeners to benefit from natural components in plants to attract beneficial insects into the garden or repel the pests. Marigolds (Calendula) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) repel bean beetles. Consider introducing parasitic wasps like pedio or eulophid wasps into the garden. These natural enemies of insects like aphids and bean beetles offer natural management measures. Select nectar-rich flowering plants such as daisies (Leucanthemum), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) or yarrow (Achillea) to attract them.

Trap and Destroy

In small gardens, gardeners can bean beetles and larvae from plants, destroying the pests to prevent additional infestation and generations that are additional. . Gardeners can plant trap crops like soybeans, after they become infested with bean beetle 20, destroying them.

Organic Insecticides

Organic pest management measures may include treating plants a nontoxic and natural substance that comes from the seeds of the neem tree, with neem oil. Oil is harmless to pets, humans and beneficial insects and does not require using equipment to employ. The National Gardening Association recommends applying neem oil to deter feeding beetle adults to bean. Gardeners may be aided by an organic soap in destroying and controlling larvae.

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