Lily Beatles - Knowledgebase Question

Middletown, ct
Avatar for lindafish
Question by lindafish
May 25, 2007
My lilys have this new red bug on them and they are eating all of my lilys. What do I use to get rid of them. I have heard they are new to CT and have come in from Europe. Help!!!!


Image
Answer from NGA
May 25, 2007
The lily beetle is a serious problem, in part because they can fly in as well as breed on and near the lilies. Most gardeners resort to a multi-pronged approach. Carbaryl (the active ingredient in Sevin) will kill adults but only on contact -- there is no residual action, or you can hand pick the adults. Neem based sprays can control the larvae, be sure to spray top and bottom sides of the foliage. The egg masses on the undersides of the leaves can be pulled off by hand. Since this pest overwinters in the soil, some gardeners also lightly disturb the soil around the lilies in very early spring to try to stop them then as well. I wish I could be more encouraging.

You must be signed in before you can post questions or answers. Click here to join!

« Return to the Garden Knowledgebase Homepage

Member Login:

( No account? Join now! )