When it comes to controlling potato bugs, also known as the Colorado Potato Beetle, there are a few effective insecticides that you can use. One option is Monterey Garden Insect Spray, which contains the active ingredient Spinosad. This insecticide works well against the larval through adult stages of the Colorado Potato Beetle.
Spinosad is a naturally occurring substance that is derived from a soil bacterium called Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It is considered to be relatively low in toxicity to humans and pets, making it a safer option for use in the garden. Spinosad works by targeting the nervous systems of insects, causing paralysis and ultimately leading to their death.
To use Monterey Garden Insect Spray, simply follow the instructions on the label. It can be applied as a foliar spray directly onto the potato plants, targeting both the leaves and the undersides of the foliage. It can also be applied as a soil drench around the base of the plants. The insecticide should be applied at the first sign of Colorado Potato Beetle infestation and repeated as necessary.
Another effective insecticide for controlling potato bugs is Botanigard, which contains the active ingredient Beauveria bassiana. This natural insecticide is a fungus that specifically targets and kills both the larvae and adults of the Colorado Potato Beetle. It can be used as a soil drench or as a foliar spray, similar to Spinosad.
I have personally used both Monterey Garden Insect Spray and Botanigard in my own garden to control potato bugs, and I have had success with both options. It is important to note that insecticides should be used as part of an integrated pest management approach, which includes practices such as crop rotation and regular monitoring for pest activity.
In addition to using insecticides, there are other cultural and preventative measures that can help in controlling potato bugs. These include removing any potato bug eggs or larvae that are visible on the plants, handpicking and destroying adult beetles, and keeping the garden area clean and free of plant debris.
Both Monterey Garden Insect Spray with Spinosad and Botanigard with Beauveria bassiana are effective insecticides for controlling potato bugs. They can be used as foliar sprays or soil drenches, targeting both the larvae and adults of the Colorado Potato Beetle. It is important to follow the instructions on the label and to incorporate other pest management practices for optimal results.
