Insect Pests

Multiple stages of Mexican bean beetles are usually present at once, including egg clusters, spiny yellow larvae, and spotted adults. The spiny larvae look menacing but do not sting. Although they look like their cousin, the ladybug, these beetles are not beneficial. - Clemson University USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, www.insectimages.org

Mexican bean beetles appear in the spring on limas, green beans, and black-eyed peas, chewing on the leaves and pods. The adult beetles over-winter in garden rubbish, emerging when the weather is warm to lay eggs on young bean plants. The larvae eat the tender tissue between the veins, always working on the underside of the leaf. Because they multiply quickly, Mexican bean beetles will ravage an entire planting. To control the pests, dust the plants with Sevin according to label directions. Discourage the pests from getting started in your garden next year by cleaning up the garden at the end of each season to eliminate their hiding places.