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I'm sitting here with a friend who has mentioned that she has had lots of red beetles attacking her lilies which were in a patio pot. Any ideas what this could be? They are twice the size of ladybirds.

Sam

They are the dreaded Lily Beetle Pixie - get rid of them as soon as you see them otherwise they make an awful mess of your lilies with black gunge everywhere.  I keep a watchful eye out for them immediately my lilies start to grow and if you pick them off as you see them before they get a chance to multiply you should not have any trouble.

Pat

I think they have gone a bit far for that  :( is there any thing you can suggest for spraying them with?and will they attack everything in the garden or just the lilies?

Thank you
Sam

I pick them off and stomp on the little darlings!

I'm afraid I cannot suggest any sprays Sam as I personally do not use them.  I think I am right in saying that the lily beetle will only attack lilies, I have not known them attack any other plants.  As I said I tackle the problem as soon as it starts and so far have not had too much damage.

Pat

I'm glad I've not got the little blighters as I have soooo many different lilies they could get at. Maybe our Scottish weather keeps them at bay!!

Pat - they won't go for the Kaffir lilies will they?  :o

Eileen.

No Eileen - I am pleased to say I have never seen them on my Kaffirs

PHEW!!!! That's a relief Pat.  ;D

Eileen.

Thank you - I will tell my friend  ;D

Sam

Pick them off and squash them. At least they are easy to spot. I tend to find them on the under sides of the leaves during the day.

Also wipe off and bin the black gunge - it's their eggs.