Scarlet Lily Beetles Are Nastier Than You Might Think

Sometimes the smallest creatures can create the biggest headaches in the garden.

If your beautiful lilies suddenly look like they've been under attack, there's a good chance a tiny red insect is to blame.

THE SCARLET LILY BEETLE IS HERE

While it may look harmless at first glance, the scarlet lily beetle can quickly turn healthy lily plants into a chewed-up mess.

I recently chatted with Master Gardener William Cook to learn why Minnesota gardeners should keep an eye out for this colorful but destructive pest.

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WILL THE SCARLET LILY BEETLES DESTROY MY WHOLE GARDEN?

Cook says there is some good news for gardeners. When I asked if people should be worried about the beetles spreading to other flowers and plants, his answer was reassuring.

"The good news is... no," Cook said. "The scarlet lily beetle is pretty specific with its diet. It only wants lilies."

Even though the beetles focus almost exclusively on true lilies, they can do a surprising amount of damage. Both the adults and their larvae feed on leaves, stems, and flower buds. Left unchecked, they can strip a plant of its foliage and prevent it from blooming.

SPOTTING ADULTS AND LARVAE

The adult beetles are easy to spot thanks to their bright scarlet-red bodies and black heads. They're about a quarter to a half inch long and are usually found crawling on lily plants.

The larvae are a little more difficult to recognize because they disguise themselves by covering their bodies with their own droppings. Wow. I guess we all do what we gotta do.

So what can you do if you find them?

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HOW TO FIND THEM

Cook recommends checking your lilies regularly, especially in late spring and throughout the summer. If you only have a few beetles, the easiest solution is to hand-pick them and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.

CHECK THE UNDERSIDES OF LEAVES

Don't forget to check the undersides of the leaves for clusters of tiny red or orange eggs and remove those as well before they hatch.

DO WHAT YOU CAN SO THEY DON'T RETURN NEXT SEASON

Cleaning up dead leaves and garden debris around your lilies in the fall can also help reduce the number of beetles that survive the winter and return next spring.

SEVERE INFESTATIONS

If an infestation becomes severe, neem oil or other garden insecticides labeled for lily beetles may help.

However, Cook says gardeners should use those products carefully since some insecticides can also harm bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects that help keep gardens healthy.

Rebekah the UK Plant Doctor/YouTube

PLEASE REPORT LILY BEETLE SIGHTINGS

Because the scarlet lily beetle is still relatively new to Minnesota, gardeners are also encouraged to report sightings to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Tracking where the beetles are appearing helps experts monitor their spread and better protect gardens across the state.

CATCH THEM EARLY

The key is catching them early. A few minutes spent inspecting your lilies every week could save your flowers from becoming this hungry little beetle's next meal.