This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Little Black Beetles
Bargs
Posts: 4
I am infested with tiny black, flying beetles who are feasting themselves on my beautiful Trumpet Lily flowers. I've tried flicking them off but they are persistent littles blighters and they keep coming back. How can I protect my flowers from them, please?
0
Posts
Likely pollen beetles which are harmless but annoying. They only eat pollen, so if you have damage to the lilies, look elsewhere for the culprit, which will very likely be red lily beetle larvae.
Pollen beetles:
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=799
Lily beetle larvae:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advice/pests_and_diseases/identifier.shtml?scarlet_lily_beetle
Ah! Thank you Bob. I have dealt with the red lily beetles themselves but, of course, they reproduce!!!! What do the larvae look like? Can I spot them?
You'll find them on the underside of the lily leaves, smothered in their own poo. I use a wad of kitchen roll to remove the unpleasant little blighters!
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
UGH!!!!! I have just followed the link to BBC. I now know that the larvae are revolting as well as destructive! I am going hunting now and I will not be taking any prisoners! Thank you once again Bob.
Well..... I had a look but I can't see any kind of living thing having a dirty protest!!!! I will keep my eyes peeled, thank you beautiful Dove from Above! ( Shooting Stars!!!)