How Do You Stop Garden Bugs From Eating Bean Plants?
Bean crops, including snap, lima, pole and soy varieties, have a large number of natural enemies in the insect world. Among the most destructive are aphids, bean leaf beetles, Mexican bean beetles and spider mites. Commercial growers use a variety of chemicals, including bifenthrin, esfenvalerate and others to control infestations, but home gardeners often prefer cultural remedies to chemicals. When cultural remedies do not work, try a few environmentally-friendly options as a last resort. Set out yellow sticky traps to attract and kill aphids. Set traps every few feet along rows of beans as soon as you see any signs of aphid infestation. Attach the traps to small stakes at the base of the plants or hang them on string stretched between taller stakes above the plant canopy. Apply a solution of insecticidal soap if traps do not control the aphid population. Rinse the soap residue well after the solution begins to dry. Repeat the application as long as the infestation continues. Hose dow
