I planted a bean plant which is putting out vines and doing great, except the annoying beetles keep on chewing up leaves, blossoms, even little bean pods. They're ladybug-sized (obviously not ladybugs), either brown, black, or a mix of these colors. I just want to get rid of them, but I only have insecticide. I now it's a bad idea to use insecticide on a plant that's going to produce beans I eat. I tried plucking each one off by hand, which is a tedious job. Is there any "safe" way to rid the bugs without using anything harmful to my health?
Dear Greenleaf, I believe the pest you have is the pea and bean weevil. You can visit http://www.hdra.org.uk/factsheets/pc25.htm for information on the pest itself, cultural (non-chemical) control, and prevention of the pest.
Could also be the Asian Lady beetle, which are after the aphids, unfortunatly here in most of this region, they have migrated into our homes in the winter. they come in an array of colors.
