Eco-friendly Control of Asparagus Beetles
You wait all winter for your asparagus harvest and so do the common and spotted asparagus beetles.
These common pests of asparagus feed on the emerging stems causing browning, scarring and crooking of the stems. Later in the season the larvae of the common asparagus beetle feed on the foliage. Severe defoliation can weaken the plants.
Both beetles are about ¼ inch long and oval in shape. The common asparagus beetle is bluish black with cream-colored spots while the spotted asparagus beetle is reddish orange with black spots.
Start watching for these pests as soon as the asparagus peeks through the ground. Remove and drop the beetles and their worm-like larvae into a container of soapy water. Smash any of the eggs as soon as they are discovered.
Avoid chemicals as these also kill the parasitic wasp that helps control these pests. A little time controlling these insects means a bigger and better tasting harvest.
A bit more information: Control the weeds and you will also increase your harvest. Regular removal and mulching will keep annual weeds under control. Quackgrass and other perennial weeds require more persistence to remove these from the garden.
Related
Audio
Categories
Upcoming Webinars & Appearances
Feb. 4, 2023
WCBA's Home Building &
Remodeling EXPO
West Bend, Wisconsin
Feb. 8, 2023
WEBINAR:
Indoor Container Garden Design & Display Ideas
Register now
Feb. 10-12, 2023
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Landscape EXPO
Madison, Wisconsin
Feb. 15, 2023
WEBINAR:
10 Tips for Growing Better Dahlias!
Register now
Feb. 17-19, 2023
NARI Milwaukee Spring Home Improvement Show
West Allis, Wisconsin
Feb. 22, 2023
WEBINAR:
Grow Beautiful Water Gardens
Register now
Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND
Learn More