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To get rid of asparagus bugs, you need to act fast because these pests can destroy your entire crop if left unchecked.
The most common asparagus bugs are asparagus beetles, and they love munching on the spears and ferns of your plants.
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of asparagus bugs naturally, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that getting rid of asparagus bugs is totally doable with a mix of prevention, monitoring, and targeted treatments.
In this post, we’ll walk through the best ways to get rid of asparagus bugs, from handpicking to organic sprays, so you can protect your harvest.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Need to Get Rid of Asparagus Bugs ASAP
Asparagus bugs, especially the common asparagus beetle, can cause serious damage if you don’t get rid of them quickly.
These bugs feed on the tender spears in spring and then move to the ferns in summer.
When asparagus bugs attack the ferns, they weaken the plant’s ability to store energy for next year’s crop.
That means fewer spears and smaller harvests down the line.
So getting rid of asparagus bugs isn’t just about saving this season’s spears, it’s about protecting future harvests too.
The earlier you start trying to get rid of asparagus bugs, the better your chances of saving your patch.
1. Identify the Bugs First
Before you can effectively get rid of asparagus bugs, you need to know what you’re dealing with.
Adult asparagus beetles are about 1/4 inch long with black, white, and orange markings.
Their larvae are grayish-green and slug-like, often found curled around the spears.
You might also spot tiny black eggs standing upright on the spears or ferns.
Knowing which stage of asparagus bugs you’re seeing helps you choose the right method to get rid of them.
2. Handpick and Destroy
One of the simplest ways to get rid of asparagus bugs is to handpick them off your plants.
Head out to your garden in the morning when the bugs are sluggish and easier to catch.
Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them quickly.
Check the undersides of leaves and the tips of spears where asparagus bugs like to hide.
Do this every few days and you’ll steadily reduce their numbers.
While handpicking won’t get rid of every single asparagus bug, it’s a great start, especially for small patches.
3. Encourage Natural Predators
Mother Nature has her own ways to help you get rid of asparagus bugs.
Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps all feed on asparagus beetle eggs and larvae.
Planting flowers like dill, fennel, and cosmos attracts these beneficial insects to your garden.
Birds, especially chickadees and sparrows, also love snacking on asparagus bugs.
Set up a birdhouse or two nearby to invite them in.
By creating a welcoming habitat for these helpers, you can get rid of asparagus bugs without lifting a finger.
Organic Sprays and Treatments to Get Rid of Asparagus Bugs
When handpicking and predators aren’t enough, organic sprays can help you get rid of asparagus bugs.
Always apply these in the evening to avoid harming pollinators like bees.
1. Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a popular choice for getting rid of asparagus bugs because it disrupts their feeding and breeding cycles.
Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with a quart of water and a few drops of dish soap.
Spray your asparagus plants thoroughly, covering both sides of the ferns.
Repeat every seven to ten days until you no longer see asparagus bugs.
2. Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap works by drying out the soft bodies of asparagus beetle larvae.
Spray it directly on the bugs you see, making sure to coat them completely.
This method is best for small infestations and works quickly to get rid of asparagus bugs.
Just be careful not to spray when the sun is blazing, as it can burn your plants.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae that cuts through the exoskeletons of asparagus bugs.
Sprinkle it around the base of your plants and on the ferns where bugs crawl.
It’s safe for pets and humans but deadly for asparagus bugs.
Reapply after rain or heavy watering since it loses effectiveness when wet.
Prevent Asparagus Bugs from Coming Back
Once you’ve managed to get rid of asparagus bugs, you’ll want to keep them from returning.
Here are a few preventive steps to stay ahead of them.
1. Clean Up Debris
Asparagus bugs overwinter in plant debris and old stalks.
Cut down and remove all ferns after they turn brown in late fall.
This removes hiding spots and helps get rid of asparagus bugs before they emerge in spring.
2. Rotate Your Crops
If asparagus bugs have been a problem, avoid planting new asparagus near old beds.
Rotating crops breaks the pests’ life cycle and makes it harder for them to find your plants.
This simple step goes a long way in your ongoing effort to get rid of asparagus bugs.
3. Monitor Regularly
Keep a close eye on your asparagus patch, especially in early spring.
Check for eggs and young larvae before they have a chance to multiply.
The sooner you spot them, the easier it is to get rid of asparagus bugs.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Asparagus Bugs?
You get rid of asparagus bugs by combining handpicking, natural predators, organic sprays, and good garden hygiene.
It takes consistency and a bit of patience.
But if you stay on top of things, you can get rid of asparagus bugs and enjoy a healthy, productive asparagus patch for years.
Happy gardening.