How do you get rid of the Colorado potato beetle?

Answer 1

A strategy of rotation, resistant varieties, insecticides, and handpicking can get rid of the Colorado potato beetle [Leptinotarsa decemlineata]. Culturally and mechanically, potatoes should be planted in different locations each year. More resistant potato varieties include the short season kinds, such as 'Superior'.

Organic gardeners and growers may choose Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego to control the beetle in its larval stage. Non organic options include insecticides whose active ingredients are carbaryl or thiodan.

Effective insecticides may have no wait between application and harvest. But they may not be needed at all if the infestation isn't severe. Specifically, handpicking, bagging and burning may be enough of a control.

Answer 2

Handpicking, non-organic or organic controls, resistant varieties and rotation are ways to get rid of Colorado potato beetles. The insects in question (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) become absent or lose their hold when potatoes are planted in different locations each year and when resistant varieties, including short-season kinds such as 'Superior,' are planted. Non-organic cultivators, farmers, gardeners and growers may schedule insecticides with the active ingredient carbaryl or thiodan whereas organic producers may select Bacillus thuringiensis var. San Diego against larval stages.