How to get rid of Potato Bugs. Potato bugs can attack your plants in the backyard, but these pesky insects are not as likely to get into your garden as one would think.
The best way to protect your garden from potato bugs is by using a mixture of organic and regular bug spray. If you completely eradicate potato bugs, then mix some copper or sulfur dust with water and pour it around your garden.
There are a few methods you can use to protect your garden from these harmful bugs.
How to get rid Of Potato Bugs
Neem oil can be added directly to the water you use to spray your plants. Neem oil insecticide is safe for humans and pets, but it is not palatable to most insects.
So it’s a natural solution for getting rid of damaging pests such as potato bugs and Colorado Potato Beetles. There are several ways to control potato bugs in your garden.
Take out each Potato Bug individually
A great way to help manage the damage done by potato bugs is to simply watch for them and pick them off one by one as you see them.
If you’re not so keen on doing it in person, you can place a shallow container like a cup or bucket with soapy water near where your potatoes are growing.
The bugs will go into the container once they fall off your plants and if they’re not dead yet, they will drown in the soap water.
The Natural Repellent
The potato beetle is a notorious garden pest. It feeds on potatoes, tomatoes, and other edible plants.
Fortunately, several natural repellents have been found to be very effective in keeping the insatiable potato bug at bay without the need for harmful chemicals or other synthetic solutions that are potentially dangerous to everyone involved.
A few time-tested natural methods include neem oil, the ever-useful fence of woven fabric or mesh, and old-fashioned hand removal.
Applying Monterey Garden Insect Spray
Monterey Garden Insect Spray is a natural insecticide that can be applied directly to plants and vegetables in the garden.
It kills pests such as potato beetles and other insects, such as moths, caterpillars, fire ants, and leafminers.
Usually, the product is safe to use, but caution must be exercised because sometimes it can cause skin or eye irritation.
Use Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE works great for the smaller type of garden pests. It’s also very easy to use, rapidly eliminating the need for special equipment or mixing.
You can comfortably apply it at any time of day without worry as it is safe for children and pets to be around.
The detergent may kill some good insects as well, so don’t overdo your DE application when dealing with larger types of insects.
Use a microbial solution
Potato bugs can also be removed from your plants using a bacterial spray. The most popular option is Bacillus thuringiensis (a bacteria classified as entomopathogenic).
You can use it to control potato beetles when they are still in larval form. Once the egg clusters hatch into worms or caterpillars, treat them every few days.
Call to Professional
However, if you’ve tried some DIY methods and still haven’t had much success controlling them using organic means.
It’s time to move on to professional pest control services experts are better equipped when it comes down to dealing with these unbending pests.
FAQs
How did I get so many potato bugs?
If excessive moisture is accumulating on the outside of your home, it could be a sign that your gutters are damaged and you are at risk to attract potato bugs.
If you suspect that this may be the cause of the infestation, we recommend contacting a gutter company to have them check out your gutters and make necessary repairs.
Are potato bugs killed by soapy water?
Potato beetles can be killed by simply soaking potato peels in soapy water.
Mix 1 tbsp dish soap to 1-gallon water and generously spray the mixture on the potatoes repeatedly until the pests are completely gone.
Get Rid Of Potato Bugs
Conclusion
How to get rid of Potato Bugs. In many regions, the Potato Bug is a serious problem. When the Potato Bug attacks the potato crops, it feeds on the leaves of the potatoes, causing damage to the plants.
Having potato bugs infest your home could make this article helpful.
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