Colorado potato beetle: An insect pest that feeds on potato plants and other related crops, known for its yellow and black striped appearance.
The Colorado potato beetle is a notorious pest of potato plants, and not just potatoes – they also like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. These beetles are easy to spot with their distinctive yellow and black stripes. The adult beetles and their larvae munch on the leaves, weakening the plant and reducing your harvest.
If you grow potatoes or related vegetables in your home garden, keeping an eye out for Colorado potato beetles is essential. You can handpick the beetles and larvae off the plants or, if the infestation is severe, use insecticides specifically labeled for this pest. Crop rotation, where you don’t plant potatoes in the same spot year after year, can also help prevent these beetles from becoming a major problem in your garden.
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