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Small Red Bugs on Asiatic Lillies #874735

Asked June 26, 2024, 6:51 AM EDT

I have had no luck killing the invasive red beetles eating my Asiatic Lillies. I have repeatedly used a Neem Oil soil drench and spray. My plants are decimated, so I decided to cut them down. I had at least 5 beetles on the leaves. I sealed my plants and beetles in a plastic bag. How do I dispose of my plants and beetles? Royal Oak compost collection does not seem like a good idea. I’ll spread these Lilly killers…. Help me eradicate them, too, please. Any advice to rid my garden of these horrible pests?

Oakland County Michigan

Expert Response

It sounds like you are dealing with the red lily leaf beetle. Here is information that will help you control this pest:

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lily_leaf_beetle_watch_out_for_this_garden_pest

You have a couple of options for disposing of the bugs. You can either toss them in your freezer for awhile or drop them into a jar of rubbing alcohol. The bug-infested plants could be put into a plastic bag and frozen as well.

This is a fairly new non-native pest in Michigan, and scientists are working to find a solution.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
Once the beetles are dead, you can safely dispose of them in your household trash.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 26, 2024, 11:51 AM EDT

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