The potato is a common vegetable that is popular in many different cuisines.
Home-garden owners love planting potatoes in their garden for their versatility.
However, they face immense damage due to potato bugs.
These bugs not only attack potatoes but also feed on eggplant, tomatoes, and other plants.
In this article, we have shared 13 natural ways to kill potato bugs.
This insect has about 40 species throughout North and South America.
They are large in size, up to two inches.
These cricket-like insects have orange and black stripes.
They feed on the decaying roots of plants.
Once a potato bug infestation occurs, it is quite challenging to get rid of them.
Adult potato bugs chew on fresh fruits and vegetables, but the larvae are much more harmful.
These crickets have strong jaws, and their bite can be quite painful.
However, apotato bug bitedoes not cause any harm apart from discomfort and irritation.
Nonetheless, they are fairly large insects and disgusting to look at, especially their larvae.
The bugs emerge in spring and feed on plants.
They also mate and reproduce on the plants.
Female Colorado bugs lay eggs on the undersurface of leaves, approximately 300 eggs within four to five weeks.
The hatching time varies between four to ten days, depending on the temperature and humidity of that location.
The larvae go through four instars before turning adults.
It takes about two to three weeks.
Afterward, the larvae drop into the soil.
They form a spherical cell and pupate.
This stage lasts from five to ten days.
After that, the cycle restarts.
This cycle can occur two to three times a year, depending on the area.
It becomes incredibly stressful when a home-garden owner finds potato bugs in the garden.
However, not everyone wants to use chemicals and pesticides.
After all, if this problem can be cured organically, why use chemicals for it?
So, here are some natural ways or home remedies to prevent or get rid of potato bugs.
Eliminate Their Habitat
Destroying the potato bugs habitat is the logical and long-term solution.
This is the most effective method of getting rid of Colorado beetles or potato bugs.
Potato bugs live in underground tunnels where they stay hidden.
They prefer cool, damp, and dark places.
to get to stop potato bugs from spreading, you should keep your garden clean.
Ensure that there is no trash left around the garden.
Keeping your garden clean and not allowing water to clog can drastically decrease the chances of potato bug infestation.
Due to the overwintering habit of potato bugs, you could execute this method easily.
Additionally, relocate other fruit and vegetable plants as they can be affected by the potato bugs too.
Transferring all the crops to a new location can terminate the spread of the bugs.
you’re free to then use pesticides to get rid of potato bugs.
These covers are made of heavy screens that allow water and air to get through.
However, other elements from the outside cannot enter the protective shield.
These row covers can be used to protect potato plants from potato bugs.
Use Companion Planting Technique
Companion plantingis a technique where two or more plants benefit each other.
This method can be adapted to get rid of potato bugs.
There are a few plants that when placed around potato plants help prevent Colorado beetles.
They include cilantro, sage, tansy, catnip, marigold, etc.
However, if you find these eggs, you should take the necessary measures right away.
Potato bugs eggs are orange and vibrant.
They are small in size and clustered together.
The most efficient way to check for them is by flipping the leaf and checking underneath.
If you notice them in one leaf, you should check the rest as well.
There is a high possibility that there will be more eggs.
it’s crucial that you get rid of the leaves that are contaminated by plucking or cutting them.
Afterward, burn or drench them in insecticides.
Sawdust, compost, or paper can be used for mulching.
This technique is helpful in preventing potato bugs.
Among all mulching materials, straw gives the best outcome in preventing potato bugs.
Mulching makes it difficult for the bugs to locate potato plants.
Moreover, the mulch draws beetle predators.
Use Essential Oil Sprays
Some home remedies like essential oil sprays can be very useful in eliminating potato bugs.
Neem, peppermint, and rosemary essential oils are incredibly helpful in getting rid of Colorado beetles.
These work as organic pesticides and kill the eggs and larvae.
Using essential oil sprays is a quick and easy solution to finish off beetles in your home garden.
All you need is a spray bottle and essential oils.
Give it a good mix and spray it on your potato plants once you notice the bugs.
The acidity of the vinegar not only kills potato bugs but also other unwanted pests.
For this, you will need a spray bottle.
Mix one cup of vinegar and one teaspoon of dish soap in three cups of water.
Then spray the mixture on your plants.
This mixture effectively kills both eggs and adult potato bugs.
It is very inexpensive to make and takes almost no time and effort.
Mix them well in a quart of water.
Then use this spray on your garden plants to get rid of potato bugs and eggs.
DE is mainly a silica powder that comes from shells of algae.
It is not harmful to humans or pets.
This organic pesticide is not degradable.
However, it might need reapplication after a rain.
you’re free to use DE both in powder form or as a spray.
you’re able to sprinkle the powder on the soil.
It will penetrate through the surface and kill the Colorado bugs larvae.
Use it on potato plants or soil where you think potato bugs exist.
Get Natural Predators for Potato Bugs
Many people have a misconception that any insect is bad for crops.
That is not true, especially for your garden plants.
Some insects or animals exist that are actually helpful.
A few insects or animals prey on potato bugs.
These predators are really helpful, and they do not harm the potato plants at all.
Ladybugs are one of the most helpful kinds of bugs for potato plants.
Other predators include stink bugs, parasitic wasps, green lacewings, damsel bugs, and birds.
If you see these predators, let them be as they will be helpful for your potato plants.
Use Traps
Traps can be used to get rid of Colorado beetles too.
There are different methods you could use.
One way is to spread petroleum jelly on a surface and place it in the garden.
The bugs will get stuck in the jelly, which you’ve got the option to throw away.
Alternatively, it’s possible for you to use glue to make traps for bugs.
you could also find traps for insects in the store.
They can be quite useful; however, using traps does not guarantee the elimination of potato bugs.
you should probably search for bugs on each plant to ensure there are none left.
If even one remains, it can breed and infest your plants.
you better look for adult bugs as well as eggs.
Once you find those, you’re able to either squish them or drown them in soapy water.
Anyhow, you should not forget to put on gloves for this method.
All in All
Dont let bugs dampen your spirit togrow potatoesand other vegetables in your garden.
Choose from among the thirteen effective ways to get rid of potato bugs.
You do not need to go for the harsh chemical options as your first choice.
For home gardens, using industrial pesticides is unnecessary and excessive.
Keep your garden clean and regularly check the leaf surfaces to look for signs of potato bug infestation.
Take instant steps if you spot any eggs or bugs.
