Sasha CampbellHave you noticed those metallic green and purple beetles munching on your rosemary bush? Those are likely rosemary beetles. While they won’t kill your rosemary, their feeding can damage new growth.
Before you reach for harsh chemicals, try some natural pest control methods. These simple, organic techniques will help you get rid of these pests and protect your plants.
Best of all, you won’t have to worry about toxic residue on an herb you may use in cooking.
Identification
The rosemary beetle (Chrysolina americana) is a common pest that feeds on rosemary, lavender, sage, and other herbs. This little beetle, about 8 mm long, munches on leaves and flowers.
The adult beetles, and the larvae (small, slug-like grubs) can do a great deal of damage to plants [1]. You’ll often spot these rosemary bugs in groups on the stems of your plants.
Also, the beetles are most active during the late summer months. If you spot these colorful critters on vulnerable plants, act quickly. Don’t let them get out of hand.
How to Get Rid of Rosemary Beetles Naturally
These are home remedies and natural control methods you can employ. With diligent monitoring and these organic controls, you can win the battle against these shiny bugs and enjoy your herb garden.
1. Pick Them Off
The most natural way to control rosemary beetles is to manually pick them off the plant. Check your plants regularly. Since the beetles tend to gather in groups, you may be able to remove many at once.
Pick them off and drop them into a container of soapy water to kill them. Also, remove any larvae and rosemary beetle eggs you notice on the leaves.
Repeat this process every few days.
2. Birds
Inviting birds to your garden is another way to control rosemary pest populations. Several bird species prey on beetles and their larvae.
To attract birds, provide a birdbath or fountain for drinking and bathing. Also, set up bird feeders with seeds, nuts, or suet cakes.
Place them near aromatic plants like thyme and lavender, where the birds can easily spot the beetles.
Once the birds discover the beetles, they will return frequently to feed on them. The birds will also feed on rosemary beetle larvae and pupae, helping to reduce future generations.
3. Frogs
Frogs love to snack on the larvae and adult beetles as well.
If you have a pond or water feature in your garden, frogs may already inhabit the area. However, you can create a frog-friendly habitat to attract them if you do not have an existing frog population.
Once the frogs discover your garden oasis, they’ll start patrolling for lavender beetles and other garden pests.
A single frog can eat thousands of insects in its lifetime [2]. Therefore, attracting a few frogs to your yard will significantly dent insect pest populations in an eco-friendly way.
4. Garlic Spray
One of the most effective natural repellents for sage beetles and other insect pests is garlic spray. Garlic contains compounds that act as natural insecticides and repellents.
To make garlic spray, follow this simple DIY recipe.
The pungent garlic odor will deter rosemary beetles. As an added benefit, the garlic water will also act as a natural fungicide.
For bad infestations, you might need to use this homemade rosemary beetle spray in conjunction with other methods. You can also try hand-picking beetles or using row covers.
5. Neem Oil
Neem oil is also potent enough to help get rid of rosemary leaf beetles.
Mix two tablespoons of pure, cold-pressed neem oil with two teaspoons of mild detergent, like dish soap, and a gallon of water.
Spray the solution directly on the rosemary beetles and their larvae. It will kill the beetles before they become adults.
You can also spray this home remedy on your plants to deter these and other pests from feeding on them.
6. Pyrethrin
An organic insecticide containing pyrethrin can be an effective way to control bugs on rosemary plants.
The pyrethrin will paralyze the beetles and larvae, causing them to stop feeding. They’ll eventually die.
However, be careful when using pyrethrin, as it can harm beneficial insects. Spray the product in the evening when pollinators are less active.
7. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide made from potassium salts of fatty acids. It penetrates the insect’s exoskeleton and damages cell membranes, causing dehydration and death.
Combine four tablespoons of liquid soap (castile soap works well) and one gallon of water to make your own insecticidal soap spray. Mix thoroughly and pour it into a spray bottle.
Spray this DIY soapy water spray on your plants to kill rosemary beetle larvae, aphids, and other pests. If you do not wish to make anything, you can purchase this ready-made product and apply it to your plants.
8. IV Organic 3-in-1 Plant Guard
IV Organic 3-in-1 Plant Guard is a popular natural pesticide for protecting trees and shrubs. It contains natural-repellent oils like rosemary, peppermint, clove, and castor.
Use this product up to three times per year for the most effective results. It is also effective against rats, termites, mice, caterpillars, and rabbits.
Takeaway
So these are a few simple and natural remedies to help fight beetles on lavender, or bronze-colored beetles, as some call them. Try these eco-friendly methods, and you’ll be enjoying beetle-free herbs in no time.
Remember, the key is to start before their numbers build up and get out of control. With diligent monitoring and the natural pest control techniques above, you can have great success.
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