Mexican Bean Beetle: Organic Control Methods

By Barbara Pleasant
Published on May 2, 2013
article image
Illustration By Keith Ward
Mexican bean beetles are especially problematic in the rainy areas of the East, and tend to pose fewer problems in dry climates.

This article is part of ourOrganic Pest Control Series, which includes articles on attracting beneficial insects, controlling specific garden pests, and using organic pesticides.

Mexican Bean Beetles (Epilachna varivestis)

The most common problem encountered when growing beans, Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) adults and larvae feed on the leaves and pods of all types of beans. Badly hit plants produce poorly because so many leaves are consumed; bean pods can also be seriously damaged. Organic controls for Mexican bean beetles include crop rotation, handpicking and maintaining good insect balance in the garden so that a wide variety of natural predators are present. For large plantings, imported predatory wasps or infectious fungi also can be used. 

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368