Black Beetle on Lemon Tree: Sevin Dust at Night Saves Bees

Metallic black beetle eating lemon blooms in FL. Sevin 5% dust at dusk kills beetles; bees avoid treated flowers, return after morning wash-off.

Protocol

1. Dust at dusk (bees gone).
2. Morning: rinse flowers with water.
3. Bees return to clean blooms.
4. ID beetle via Extension if curious.

Why Sevin

• Broad spectrum, relatively safe.
• Contact action—timing protects pollinators.
• Organic first (pyrethrin/neem), but Sevin reliable.

Don't spray blooms directly.