Knowledgebase
Pole beans eaten alive #868896
Asked May 17, 2024, 1:24 PM EDT
Anne Arundel County Maryland
Expert Response
We do not recommend any home remedy pesticide alternative, like sprays using household soaps or detergents. At best, they will not work (even pesticide-grade soap sprays need to directly contact the pest to be effective), and at worst, they risk causing phytotoxicity (plant tissue damage from chemical exposure). Soaps not specifically formulated for use on plants can strip the protective waxy layer off of foliage, causing "sunburn" or desiccation damage, especially on sunny or hot days. The linked Penn State page above about home remedies provides more reasons why they are potentially ineffective or damaging to the environment.
Spent coffee grounds can make a good compost additive but should not be applied directly around plants. In some studies, coffee grounds have stunted plant growth, so they might be having a phytotoxic effect on roots for sensitive plants, at least before they are fully composted and broken-down.
For any other issues that might arise later in the growing season, our Growing Beans in a Home Garden web page may be useful.
Miri