Asparagus beetle

[Beryl]

I've just discovered this little beetle on my new crop of asparagus. I don't want to spray because I would like to harvest some more this season. Although this is only their second year.

Is there anything I can do to prevent the infestation happening again next year? Would using fleece help or do the little blighters over-winter in the soil.

Would be grateful for any advice.

Thanks
Beryl.

[Jenny Green]

If I remember rightly they overwinter on the remnants of dead stalks, so you could try removing these in early spring and burning them.
I get them every year. What I do is pick off beetles and rub eggs from plants when I harvest. (Asparagus beetles are incredibly wily - if they sense you there they either run around to the other side of the stalk or they drop right off onto the soil where you can't find them. What I do is bend the stalk over my open hand and give it a little shake then they drop into my hand.)
Then in late May I give the plants one final complete cut of all stalks. This seems to stop the infestation in its tracks and it doesn't get bad for the rest of the year.
Having reread your post I can see its only the plants' second year, in which case I would just try to keep on top of them by picking off the beetles and squashing the grubs. They shouldn't affect the plants health too much. Then maybe next year you could try my method.

[Beryl]

Thanks for all that Jenny. Yes I will certainly try your method next year. In fact have printed it out to put away safely then I won't forget.

I agree with you about them being wily beggars. I've been chasing the devils to. Soaked the cut spears in salt water but they still managed to swim and get away - down the plug hole tho' this time.

Thanks again.
Beryl.

[longpod]

I have just been trawling through the RHS site for info on these little critters, The Rhs says that at the end of the season, when the fronds go brown, cut them off and burn them, to stop the beetle staying over the winter. I spent several hours today picking off the beetles (the ones I could catch), and squashing the little caterpillar/slug looking progeny off 31 asparagus plants.

Jeanne