Potato bugs abound - Ask Extension
The farmer across the road leased a large parcel of land to a potato plac. They plant potatoes every other year or every third year. The following yea...
Knowledgebase
Potato bugs abound #879016
Asked July 27, 2024, 2:09 PM EDT
The farmer across the road leased a large parcel of land to a potato plac. They plant potatoes every other year or every third year. The following year we have an overwhelming abundance of potato bugs that make a mass exodus coming west across the road. They are all over our lawn, driveway, patio and hosta beds. Disgusting to even walk to our cars as we step on them and it makes us unable to enjoy our outside space. How do we get rid of them or keep this from happening?
Kalkaska County Michigan
Expert Response
This is going to be a tough one to manage, since any efforts that you take will have no impact on the source population from the field. If you're able to speak with the grower about management options in the field such as perimeter sprays that may help with the issue.
Handpicking or row covers on plants when the beetles are the only other options.
Handpicking or row covers on plants when the beetles are the only other options.
