Pest identification
What's eating my tongue of fire bean?
Mexican Bean Beetle
Signs: Spiny yellow-orange larvae and adults skeletonize leaves from the underside, leaving only a papery network of veins.
Control: Scout leaf undersides weekly; crush yellow egg clusters; apply neem oil or spinosad; use row covers on young plants.
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied colonies on shoot tips and flower buds reduce vigour and pod set; honeydew encourages ants and sooty mould.
Control: Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; remove badly affected shoot tips; attract beneficial insects with nearby dill or fennel.
Slugs & Snails
Signs: Ragged holes in seedling cotyledons and first true leaves; plants can be completely severed at soil level after a wet night.
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets at sowing; set beer traps; water in the morning rather than evening to reduce overnight moisture.
Keep tongue of fire bean pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tongue of Fire Bean pests — FAQ
What is eating my tongue of fire bean?
Tongue of Fire is a heritage shell bean susceptible to aphids, Mexican bean beetles, and slug damage at seedling stage. Deer and rabbits browse young plants in open gardens. The thick-podded, semi-dry beans are relatively untroubled by birds, but consistent monitoring for bean beetle larvae on leaf undersides is essential.
How do I get rid of mexican bean beetle on tongue of fire bean?
Spiny yellow-orange larvae and adults skeletonize leaves from the underside, leaving only a papery network of veins. Scout leaf undersides weekly; crush yellow egg clusters; apply neem oil or spinosad; use row covers on young plants.
How do I get rid of aphids on tongue of fire bean?
Soft-bodied colonies on shoot tips and flower buds reduce vigour and pod set; honeydew encourages ants and sooty mould. Spray insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; remove badly affected shoot tips; attract beneficial insects with nearby dill or fennel.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on tongue of fire bean?
Ragged holes in seedling cotyledons and first true leaves; plants can be completely severed at soil level after a wet night. Apply iron phosphate pellets at sowing; set beer traps; water in the morning rather than evening to reduce overnight moisture.