My potted lilies have chewed leaves and I’ve spotted bright red beetles nearby. There’s also a dark, messy-looking deposit on some leaves. Is this all from the same pest, and how can I limit the damage?
What’s eating my lilies, and what should I do about it?
Asked by Hinge.6
Answers
That sounds like lily beetles. The dark material is often their larvae, which cover themselves with their own waste. Check the undersides of leaves and along the stems for more beetles, larvae, and eggs.
Reply to this answer
Go over each plant regularly and remove the red adults, larvae, and eggs by hand. A container of soapy water is a simple way to dispose of what you collect. The adults can drop when disturbed, so hold the container underneath as you pick them off.
Reply to this answer
Give the other pots a close look too, even if they seem untouched. Check leaf undersides for eggs and keep removing any new beetles or larvae you find. Catching them early can help stop one badly affected plant from turning into several.
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.