A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Harlequin Beetles are tickin' me off! Grrrr

Has anyone ever had a problem with these before? From what I see on the internet, they're typically found in the south. They have been on my nasturtium plants for months. It took me a while to identify them and figure out that they are bad. I finally discovered Diatomacious Earth, which seems to be killing them off. I'm gardening organically only so most pesticides are out for me. I am still seeing some, and they seem to be venturing off the nasturtiums more.

I haven't seen anything in the literature about nasturtiums specifically. I have no problem removing them if anyone thinks that will help. My fear is that they will just attack the rest of my garden if I simply remove their primary home. From what I've read, one female can lay 300-500 eggs and they like a lot of different plants. I'm also planning to do a winter garden and want these little buggers gone before I give them fresh crops to eat. I'm pretty sure they killed my watermelon plant.

I'm really frustrated with this situation. I'd love some more advice or encouragement.

Thanks!

I'm thinking if you take away what appears to be a favorite food in your garden they will gravitate to a different one and make it a favorite.
For organic controls, Sabadilla is an alkaloid just as nicotene and ryana are. Because it is highly toxic to many insects and bees this should be only considered for last resort use. Pyrethrins are a better choice but are also now used as last resort controls.
Another suggestion is insecticidal soap. I'm reading that the soap is best. They are least likely to bother your winter crops because they really don't like it cold much. So you should have fewer to contend with as the temps dip.

See also Controlling Harlequin bug—Murgantia histrionica

here





and

here

Thank you Tina and Papito. I had a tough time finding info on these guys. I am, so far, pleased with the results of the DE. Since I have my daughter with me in the garden most of the time, I'm just not comfortable using anything else, except maybe the garlic treatment. I'll try that for sure if this doesn't work. I was SO disappointed when I lost my watermelon plant. Trying to get over it, since it's not a big deal, except watermelon is a family favorite and super expensive at the store. Oh, well. I will know what to do sooner next year.

I didn't get sprayed with pepper spray, but I did show my daughter how to use the garden hose, and of course, she says, "Look mom, it makes a rainbow!" while she's soaking me with the hose and I'm yelling STOP! Stop!

Hope everyone is feeling as well as possible and having a beautiful evening/night.

~Beth~

The dish detergent spray will not harm your daughter either. Just a tablespoon in a quart spray bottle of water (water first then add detergent so you don't get bubbles). It will help with all kinds of bugs that may like your plants. And it is a super cheap fix.

Thanks!