Texas homeowners and crop growers share a problem with their peers in Colorado, Nebraska, Utah and Arizona: the Mexican Bean Beetle – one of the most damaging pests to beans and vegetables across the U.S. While this beetle’s activity and most destructive effects are on the rise in July and August, don’t for a second think it isn’t able to ruin your crops in September as well. As far as organic pest control measures are concerned, our pest control Murphy, TX specialists favor them the most, as chemical treatments can negatively impact the vegetables and thus your health as well. Today we will take a closer look at the Mexican Bean Beetle and its specifics to prepare you for a potential future infestation.

What Is the Mexican Bean Beatle?

This is an approximately 1/4 inch long insect featuring a yellow (and sometimes copper brown) color. You can compare them with ladybugs to make a proper diagnosis: the beetles are larger than ladybugs, while looking similar, and sport yellow hues instead of red ones. If you get the chance to take a very close look at one of them, you should count 16 black dots on their body and recognize an oval shape.

What Should You Know about a Mexican Bean Beetle Infestation?

First things first, these pests present a very short reproductive cycle. Our pest control Murphy, TX specialists warn that you can face several generations of pests attacking your beans and other vegetable crops in the same warm season.

The pests have a soft spot for all beans varieties, including pole and bush, favoring kidney, soybeans and cowpeas. They also favor bush varieties more – statistically, these beans suffer more damage than pole beans varieties.

You can clearly observe an infestation if you take a look under the leaves, because larvae and adults feed on their undersides. A severe attack will turn the beans’ leaves with a transparent, lacy texture and sometimes only the veins stand witness to their passing by.

The Mexican Bean Beatle Organic Pest Control Measures

Our pest control Arlington, TX specialists favor the use of organic control measures as pesticides and chemical treatments may also damage the crops and the beneficial insects you want to keep around your garden.

  • If you somehow missed the infestation altogether but you only notice the effects, start spraying the crops with a soap and water mix or neem oil to keep them at bay. It is better to call your pest control Murphy, TX specialists to give you a hand if you still want to salvage your crops.
  • In case you want to get ready for the next summer, you have to consider introducing beneficial insects and Mexican Bean Beetles natural predators: ladybugs, green lacewings, spined soldier bugs, minute pirate bugs and others. These predators attack the pests’ eggs and larvae, putting a stop to their reproductive cycles.
  • Apply floating row covers

It is better to be safe than sorry, so if this summer the Mexican Bean Beetle was nowhere near your crops, you should consider these tips for the summer to come. Always have your pest control Murphy, TX team by your side at the earliest sign of suspicion.