Pest identification
What's eating my pole beans?
Mexican bean beetle
Signs: Lace-like skeletonised leaves with only the veins remaining; yellow-orange larvae and adults feeding on leaf undersides
Control: Hand-pick larvae and adults; introduce the parasitic wasp Pediobius foveolatus; neem oil; row covers for early-season protection
Bean leaf beetle
Signs: Round holes eaten through leaves; feeding on pods leaves depressions; vector of bean pod mottle virus
Control: Row covers at emergence; pyrethrin for heavy infestations; remove plant debris where adults overwinter
Aphids
Signs: Curled, sticky shoot tips; bean mosaic virus causes mottled, puckered leaves and stunted plants
Control: Water-jet knockdown; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; attract parasitic wasps with flowering herbs nearby
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in seedling leaves and pods; silvery slime trails; worst in cool wet conditions
Control: Iron phosphate bait (safe around pets and wildlife); beer traps; diatomaceous earth around base; hand-pick at night
Keep pole beans pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Pole beans pests — FAQ
What is eating my pole beans?
Pole beans are most commonly attacked by Mexican bean beetle and bean leaf beetle, which skeletonise leaves. Aphids cluster on tender growth and transmit viruses. Slugs and snails shred seedling leaves. Spider mites flare in hot dry summers. Row covers on seedlings and vigilant scouting provide solid early protection.
How do I get rid of mexican bean beetle on pole beans?
Lace-like skeletonised leaves with only the veins remaining; yellow-orange larvae and adults feeding on leaf undersides Hand-pick larvae and adults; introduce the parasitic wasp Pediobius foveolatus; neem oil; row covers for early-season protection
How do I get rid of bean leaf beetle on pole beans?
Round holes eaten through leaves; feeding on pods leaves depressions; vector of bean pod mottle virus Row covers at emergence; pyrethrin for heavy infestations; remove plant debris where adults overwinter
How do I get rid of aphids on pole beans?
Curled, sticky shoot tips; bean mosaic virus causes mottled, puckered leaves and stunted plants Water-jet knockdown; insecticidal soap; reflective mulch; attract parasitic wasps with flowering herbs nearby
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on pole beans?
Irregular holes in seedling leaves and pods; silvery slime trails; worst in cool wet conditions Iron phosphate bait (safe around pets and wildlife); beer traps; diatomaceous earth around base; hand-pick at night