these horrid beetles are? They totally decimated the Lantana blooms before finally moving on this spring. I'm hoping they will not come back next spring but if they do...what will get rid of them besides poisons? We have a well, a puppy and lots of other insects and butterflies I don't want to kill. I now have stink bugs doing damage too! Aarghh!
Here is a link, it's in Australia, but we have them too. They will ruin monarda nad echinacea too.http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/horticulture/5045.html
Thanks Cala. I think I may be stuck with them next spring too acording to the hyperlink. It says they lay their eggs near the plants...OH NO!! Only difference I can see is the beetles on my Lantana feed all day too! The description of the damage they cause fits to a T. I won't use poisons so I guess that's it, either that or I pick bugs 24-7! Unless someone has any other safe alternative?? (Said with great hope) :)
Floridian, I used natural pyrethrins on mine. I sprayed only in the evening and if I saw baby ladybugs or spiders, I didn't spray that particular plant. I made a small dent in the population, and did get to enjoy a few blooms.
http://www.oneworld.org/ileia/newsletters/13-4/13-4-22.htm
Went researching on 'natural pyrethrins' and found this link, very interesting! Thanks ever so much Cala!!
