Insects - Beetles
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  (May) I had been told that wild butterfly weed was very hard to transplant so about three years ago I started my own from seed. All the seedlings survived and have multiplied. Now, I am dismayed by the black and orange beetles that invade my plants. How can I get rid of the beetles without harming the butterflies that feed on the flowers?

  What time of year do the beetles hit your plants? If they are coming early in the season--before the butterflies and their companion caterpillars, then you can use Rotenone (organic) or a permethrin. If they hit at the same time, you may want to use the old pick and stomp, or carry a bucket with some oil mixed in with the water, and knock the beetles into it. Any sprays that will kill a beetle, would also damage a butterfly if they are sprayed at the same time. There should be no residual carry-over if they are earlier in the season.

  (July) I live in Warren, and we have many hardy hibiscus and Texas star hibiscus. They are both infested with some insect which strips the leaves, leaving only the veins. They are continuing to bloom as if nothing had happened. I have noticed many small black flying insects which have an orange spot on their back. Are they the culprits, and how could I kill whatever the offenders? My tropical hibiscus plants are not bothered this way.

  There is both a beetle and a caterpillar that can do a number on hardy hibiscus plants. While it does make the plants look less than appealing, it really does little to damage their hardiness. If the damage is so bad that you can't live with it, there are several remedies to try. It sounds to me like you have the beetle problem--sprays with liquid sevin or permethrin can help. You can also use the systemic Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub insecticide as the plants begin growing next spring. For those with the caterpillar problem, you can also use Bacillus thuringiensis or BT, Dipel or Thuricide. Whatever pesticide you use, opt for one that mixes with water, I would avoid the dusts, since that also can take away from the aesthetics. If you are using the plants to attract butterflies, then avoid the insecticides and live with the lacelike leaves-tell people that's the look you were going for!

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