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Common Bean · Phaseolus vulgaris

What is eating my common bean leaves?

Pests like the Mexican bean beetle can quickly damage your crop by skeletonizing the leaves. Check the undersides of your leaves for eggs or larvae.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look under the leaves for yellow egg clusters.
  2. Check for small, copper colored beetles.
  3. Inspect the stems for clusters of tiny bugs.

Likely causes

  1. Mexican bean beetle

    Most likely

    How to tell: Leaves look like lace or a skeleton with only the veins remaining.

    What to do: Hand pick the adults and larvae off the plants daily. You can also use floating row covers to prevent them from landing.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth.

    What to do: Spray the plants with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Use insecticidal soap if the infestation persists.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common bean

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the leaves are being eaten faster than the plant can grow, you need to intervene immediately. A few holes are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your garden clean of debris and use row covers early in the season.

Common Bean: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common bean and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Are these beetles harmful to humans?
No, they are only harmful to your bean plants. They do not bite or sting people.
Can I use neem oil?
Yes, neem oil can be effective against both beetles and aphids. Apply it in the evening to avoid harming bees.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common Bean

Back to the Common Bean guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.