How to identify
- Adults with bold yellow and black stripes
- Humpbacked orange-red larvae
- Orange egg clusters under leaves
Damage: Rapid defoliation of potato and eggplant.
Control methods
- Hand-pick adults, larvae, and crush eggs twice a week early on.
- Use floating row cover on young potatoes until you need to hill.
- Rotate nightshades; beetles overwinter in soil nearby.
What products to use
We list product types and what to check on the label — not brand rankings, prices, or “we tested” claims. Always follow the label for your crop, and prefer the least disruptive option that works.
Spinosad or Bt tenebrionis (where labeled)
When: Larvae present and hand-picking cannot keep up
Look for: Product specifically listing Colorado potato beetle on potatoes/eggplant