Check Now for Colorado Potato Beetles!

If you have potatoes growing in your garden be on the lookout for Colorado potato beetles and their immature stage, known as larvae (picture left). These voracious feeders can quickly devour potato leaves, resulting in greatly reduced yields and even plant death in severe cases. Controlling these beetles early in the season, before populations explode, is essential to protect your potato crop, and to prevent damage to tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which potato beetles will also feed upon.

Adult beetles are currently laying masses of bright orange eggs on potato leaves so now is the time to search your plants for these insects and take control measures if any are found. Find out how to control these pests (including organic options) - click here to read the entire article on the Pender Cooperative Extension website: http://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=news&ci=LAWN+74