Lily Leaf Beetles: A Guide for Gardeners
Lily leaf beetles are a common pest that can cause significant damage to lilies and other plants in the lily family. These beetles are native to Europe and Asia, but they have been introduced to North America and are now found in many parts of the United States and Canada.
Identifying Lily Leaf Beetles
Adult lily leaf beetles are about 1/2 inch long and have a bright red body with a black head, antennae, and legs. They are good fliers and can quickly spread from plant to plant. The larvae of lily leaf beetles are orange, brown, yellowish, or greenish and have swollen bodies. They carry their excrement on their backs, which gives them a distinctive appearance.
Damage Caused by Lily Leaf Beetles
Lily leaf beetles can cause damage to plants in both their adult and larval stages. Adults feed on the leaves of lilies, chewing holes in the foliage. Larvae feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to turn brown and wilt. Heavy infestations can defoliate plants, stunt their growth, and even kill them.
Controlling Lily Leaf Beetles
There are a number of ways to control lily leaf beetles, including:
- Handpicking: Adult lily leaf beetles can be handpicked off of plants and dropped into a bucket of soapy water. The larvae can be removed by hand or by spraying them with a strong stream of water.
- Insecticides: There are a number of insecticides that are effective against lily leaf beetles, including neem oil, carbaryl (Sevin), malathion, and imidacloprid. Always read and follow the label directions carefully when using insecticides.
- Beneficial insects: Some beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, prey on lily leaf beetles. Encouraging these beneficial insects into your garden can help to control lily leaf beetle populations.
Preventing Lily Leaf Beetles
There are a number of things you can do to prevent lily leaf beetles from infesting your garden, including:
- Inspect plants carefully before purchasing them. Do not buy plants with holes in the foliage or ragged edges on the leaves.
- Check the undersides of leaves for young larvae and egg masses. If you find any, remove them by hand or spray them with a strong stream of water.
- Clean up plant debris in the fall. Lily leaf beetles overwinter in the soil and on debris left in the garden. Cleaning up plant debris can help to reduce infestations the following year.
- Avoid sharing plants with others. Lily leaf beetles can be spread from plant to plant, so it is important to avoid sharing plants with others who have found them in their gardens.
Additional Tips for Controlling Lily Leaf Beetles
- Use row covers to protect young plants from lily leaf beetles. Row covers are a physical barrier that can prevent lily leaf beetles from reaching your plants.
- Plant lilies in a sunny location. Lily leaf beetles prefer to feed on plants that are growing in the shade.
- Keep your garden clean and free of weeds. Weeds can provide a hiding place for lily leaf beetles.
- Companion planting: Planting certain companion plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums, can help to deter lily leaf beetles.
By following these tips, you can help to control lily leaf beetles in your garden and protect your plants from damage.