[Ellkebe]

I lost two large lavender bushes to Rosemary beetle this winter/Spring and it looks like I'm losing the battle for the Rosemary now    
I've looked up several sites trying to find an (organic) solution - picking off and killing the grubs and beetles didn't save them! - but to no avail.  It's looking like, cos they're not native,  there aren't any natural predators.  
So, I was wondering how others are dealing with the little darlings, if at all?!  Any ideas much appreciated  

[Aunt Sally]

Never seen any of these but I believe it's pick them off or spray with insecticide  

[Ellkebe]

You'd remember them if you saw them Aunt Sally - they're very pretty  (d**n them!) I can't use insecticide as I'm organic   Think I might have to start a new rosemary inside til the grubs have all given up and gone else where.

[Teen76]

Hi Ellkebe,

I've been browsing the internet and found some stuff on the BBC website.


Treatment

Chemical

Products containing the following chemical ingredients are all effective on rosemary leaf beetle:

Imidicloprid
Bifenthrin
Pyrethrum
Natural fatty acids
Surfactant-based products

Note: It is important to read manufacturer's instructions for use and the associated safety data information before applying chemical treatments.

Organic

    * Regular observation in late spring each year is essential to prevent infestations establishing.
    * Removing adults and larvae by hand will help to reduce numbers. Shaking infested bushes over an old towel or sheet will enable large infestations to be collected and removed.
    * Netting and fleeces can be used to stop adults moving between plants.
    * There are currently no natural enemies commercially available to control rosemary leaf beetle.

Prevention

    * Check plants on a weekly basis for signs of infestation and deal with them as soon as they appear.
    * Encourage insectivorous birds by hanging feeders in the winter and provide nesting boxes in the spring.


I hope that this is of use.

[agapanthus]

Hi Ellkebe,

I've been browsing the internet and found some stuff on the BBC website.


Treatment

Chemical

Products containing the following chemical ingredients are all effective on rosemary leaf beetle:

Imidicloprid
Bifenthrin
Pyrethrum
Natural fatty acids
Surfactant-based products

Note: It is important to read manufacturer's instructions for use and the associated safety data information before applying chemical treatments.

Organic

    * Regular observation in late spring each year is essential to prevent infestations establishing.
    * Removing adults and larvae by hand will help to reduce numbers. Shaking infested bushes over an old towel or sheet will enable large infestations to be collected and removed.
    * Netting and fleeces can be used to stop adults moving between plants.
    * There are currently no natural enemies commercially available to control rosemary leaf beetle.

Prevention

    * Check plants on a weekly basis for signs of infestation and deal with them as soon as they appear.
    * Encourage insectivorous birds by hanging feeders in the winter and provide nesting boxes in the spring.


I hope that this is of use.

It is to me thanks!!!! I lurve the stuff!!

[Teen76]

Glad to help.

[Aunt Sally]

This is the Rosemary Beetle:

[Teen76]

Why are some pests so bloomin' pretty?   :?   I'd feel sad to squish them.  I feel that way about Red Lily Beetles too.

[Ellkebe]

It surely is one beautiful critter - but what it did to my lavenders wasn't

Thanks for the feedback Agapanthus.   I did the picking them off by hand, but to little avail in the end.  I didn't try netting the plants off from each other - that's a good idea and worth trying.