Identifying and Controlling Yellow Bugs on Green/Wax Beans in Vermont

Yellow, fuzzy, sticky bugs with orange egg clusters on bean leaves in central Vermont are likely Colorado potato beetle larvae (despite being on beans, not potatoes). Ladybug larvae look similar but are carnivorous. The beetles may have migrated from the adjacent alfalfa field.

Organic Solution: Ladybugs

1. Release ladybugs at dawn after refrigerating overnight (slows them).
2. They eat aphids, Colorado potato beetle larvae, and other pests.
3. One release often suffices for years if no pesticides used nearby.

Aphids on Snow Peas

Same remedy: ladybugs love aphids.

Cultural Practice

Intercrop peas with beans — research shows peas repel Colorado potato beetles.

— The Long Island Gardener