Colorado potato beetles (CPBs) overwinter as adult beetles in the soil (about 8-16 inches deep) in the previous year's potato fields. They emerge in the spring to feed, mate, and lay eggs (up to 1,000 eggs per female in masses of 20-50 eggs). Larvae hatch from eggs, feed and grow through four larval instars, and then drop to the ground to pupate and start the cycle over again. They can have up to three generations in a year.
Damage: Adults and larvae can cause complete defoliation and nearly complete crop loss if allowed to reproduce unchecked. Larvae are more voracious than adults.
Scouting: CPBs are easy to scout. Look for them on plants near the edge of potato fields, and on volunteer potatoes in other crops (volunteer potatoes can serve as important refuge for CPBs and a source of delayed infestations). Adult beetles are about 0.5-inches long, with an orange-and-black head and yellow-and-black striped wings. Once you find adults, look for egg masses. Their oval eggs are yellow-to-orange in color. Scout often for larvae once you find eggs. Newly hatched larvae have black heads and reddish-orange abdomens. As they age, they get bigger and lighter in color with distinct black dots on their sides.
Scientific Name:
Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Type:
Insects & Mites
Photos
Colorado potato beetle eggs (Photo by Carrie Wohleb, WSU Extension).
Newly hatched Colorado potato beetle larvae (Carrie Wohleb, WSU Extension).
Colorado potato beetle adults mating (photo by Carrie Wohleb, WSU Extension).
Control Options for Colorado Potato Beetle on Potatoes
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (seed treatment)) |
See Label | - | - | 4A | E | Don’t be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. Apply at 0.17-0.35 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
clothianidin (Belay (seed treatment)) |
See Label | - | - | 4A | E | Don’t be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. Apply at 0.4-0.6 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + difenoconazole (Cruiser Maxx Potato Extreme) |
0.31 fl oz/100 lb seed | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12, 3 | E | Don't be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. However, if larvae are found on treated plants, the residual product is probably no longer active. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil (Cruiser Maxx Potato Insecticide and Fungicide) |
See Label | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12 | E | Don't be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. Apply at 0.19-0.27 fl oz/100 lb seed. |
|
thiamethoxam + fludioxonil + difenoconazole + sedaxane (Cruiser Maxx Vibrance Potato) |
0.5 fl oz/100 lb seed | 12 h | - | IRAC 4A; FRAC 12, 3, 7 | E | Don't be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. However, if larvae are found on treated plants, the residual product is probably no longer active. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (soil application)) |
5.7-8.7 fl oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | Don’t be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. |
|
clothianidin (Belay (soil application)) |
9-12 fl oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | Don’t be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. |
|
thiamethoxam (Platinum 75 SG) |
1.66-2.67 oz | 12 h | - | 4A | E | Don't be alarmed to find newly emerged adult beetles alive on treated plants, because it can take days for them to start feeding, ingest the insecticide, and then die. But if larvae are found on treated plants, then the product residual is probably no longer active. |
|
phorate (Thimet 20-G SmartBox) |
See Label | 72 h | 90 d | 1 | G-F | Expect only 50 days of residual control. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
1.5-3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
imidacloprid (Admire Pro (foliar)) |
1.3 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | G | Apply to foliage when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) |
1.75-3.5 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6 | G | Apply when 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small. If two applications are needed, limit them to a single CPB generation. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8-9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
0.6-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
indoxacarb (Avaunt Insecticide) |
3.5-6 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 22 | E-G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) |
1.6-2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
spinosad (Blackhawk) |
1.7-3.3 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Do not apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
bifenthrin (Brigade 2EC) |
2.1-6.4 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3 | G | CPBs are on the label but not in the potato section. Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
4.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | G | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
ledprona (Calantha) |
12-16 fl oz | 4 hr | - | 35 | E | Apply at 25% egg hatch. This product will work on all life stages (except eggs) but is most effective against small larvae (up to 1/4 inch). |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | E | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply to successive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Delegate WG) |
2.25-4 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
spinosad (Entrust SC Naturalyte Insect Control) |
4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. | |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
5-15.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Do not apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL) |
5.5-10.9 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 28 | E | See Section 2(ee) Recommendation. Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. |
|
phosmet (Imidan 70-W) |
1.33 lb | 5 d | 7 d | 1B | G-F | Apply when about 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small for knockback control. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5-3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | G | The label doesn’t mention CPBs, but applications made to target other pests will control beetles and larvae. It will also knockback some predator insects. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | G | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
5.5 to 10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply more than twice to a generation of CPB, or within any 30-day period. |
|
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx) |
3.2-4.0 fl oz | 12 h | 1 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
4-10 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are first instars. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. Don’t apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Radiant SC) |
4.5-8 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
novaluron (Rimon) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Use higher rates and higher spray volumes when larvae are large. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
10.5-14 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
14-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched for best results. Rapid anti-feeding activity. It controls eggs, larvae, and adults. |
|
Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. (Trident Biological Insecticide) |
3-6 qt | 4 h | 0 d | 11 | ND | Apply as soon as eggs begin to hatch. Larvae stop eating within a few hours, and they die within 2-4 days. |
|
chlorantraniliprole (Vantacor) |
1.2-2.5 fl oz | 4 h | 14 d | 28 | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Don’t apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
oxamyl (Vydate C-LV) |
0.5-2.1 pt | 48 h | 7 d | 1A | G | Apply when 50% of eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Expect 7-14 days of residual control. |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II) |
1.28-1.92 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small, but only if it’s before mid-June. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
1.5-3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) |
1.75-3.5 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6 | G | Apply when 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small. If two applications are needed, limit them to a single CPB generation. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8 to 9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
0.6-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
indoxacarb (Avaunt Insecticide) |
3.5-6 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 22 | E-G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) |
1.6-2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
spinosad (Blackhawk) |
1.7-3.3 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Do not apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
bifenthrin (Brigade 2EC) |
2.1 to 6.4 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3 | P | CPBs are on the label but not in the potato section. Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
4.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
ledprona (Calantha) |
12-16 fl oz | 4 hr | - | 35 | E | Apply at 25% egg hatch. This product will work on all life stages (except eggs) but is most effective against small larvae (up to 1/4 inch). |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | E | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply to successive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Delegate WG) |
2.25-4 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
spinosad (Entrust SC Naturalyte Insect Control) |
4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. | |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
5-15.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Do not apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL) |
5.5-10.9 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 28 | E | See Section 2(ee) Recommendation. Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. |
|
phosmet (Imidan 70-W) |
1.33 lb | 5 d | 7 d | 1B | G-F | Apply when about 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small for knockback control. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5-3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | G | The label doesn’t mention CPBs, but applications made to target other pests will control beetles and larvae. It will also knockback some predator insects. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply before aphid populations build. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
5.5 to 10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply more than twice to a generation of CPB, or within any 30-day period. |
|
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx) |
3.2-4.0 fl oz | 12 h | 1 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
4-10 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are first instars. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. Don’t apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Radiant SC) |
4.5-8 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
novaluron (Rimon) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Use higher rates and higher spray volumes when larvae are large. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
10.5-14 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
14-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched for best results. Rapid anti-feeding activity. It controls eggs, larvae, and adults. |
|
Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. (Trident Biological Insecticide) |
3-6 qt | 4 h | 0 d | 11 | ND | Apply as soon as eggs begin to hatch. Larvae stop eating within a few hours, and they die within 2-4 days. |
|
chlorantraniliprole (Vantacor) |
1.2-2.5 fl oz | 4 h | 14 d | 28 | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Don’t apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
oxamyl (Vydate C-LV) |
0.5-2.1 pt | 48 h | 7 d | 1A | G | Apply when 50% of eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Expect 7-14 days of residual control. |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II) |
1.28-1.92 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 3 | P | Use of pyrethroid insecticides is not recommended mid-season. If used, apply when larvae are small. Monitor for subsequent pest outbreaks. |
| Material | Application per Acre | REI | PHI | MOA | Eff. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
thiamethoxam (Actara) |
1.5-3 oz | 12 h | 14 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
abamectin (Agri-Mek SC) |
1.75-3.5 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6 | G | Apply when 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small. If two applications are needed, limit them to a single CPB generation. |
|
esfenvalerate (Asana XL) |
5.8 to 9.6 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small. |
|
acetamiprid (Assail 70WP) |
0.6-1.7 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 4A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched larvae are small. |
|
indoxacarb (Avaunt Insecticide) |
3.5-6 oz | 12 h | 7 d | 22 | E-G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
azadirachtin (Aza-Direct) |
1-3.5 pt | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL) |
1.6-2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small. |
|
spinosad (Blackhawk) |
1.7-3.3 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Do not apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
bifenthrin (Brigade 2EC) |
2.1-6.4 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3 | G | CPBs are on the label but not in the potato section. Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small. |
|
bifenthrin + imidacloprid (Brigadier) |
4.8-6.14 fl oz | 12 h | 21 d | 3, 4A | E | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. |
|
ledprona (Calantha) |
12-16 fl oz | 4 hr | - | 35 | E | Apply at 25% egg hatch. This product will work on all life stages (except eggs) but is most effective against small larvae (up to 1/4 inch). |
|
novaluron + acetamidiprid (Cormoran) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15, 4A | E | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply to successive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Delegate WG) |
2.25-4 oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
spinosad (Entrust SC Naturalyte Insect Control) |
4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. | |
|
cyantraniliprole (Exirel) |
5-15.5 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Do not apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
cyclaniliprole (Harvanta 50SL) |
5.5-10.9 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 28 | E | See Section 2(ee) Recommendation. Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. |
|
phosmet (Imidan 70-W) |
1.33 lb | 5 d | 7 d | 1B | G | Apply when about 50% of eggs have hatched and larvae are small for knockback control. |
|
methomyl (Lannate LV) |
1.5-3.0 pt | 48 h | 6 d | 1A | G | The label doesn’t mention CPBs, but applications made to target other pests will control beetles and larvae. It will also knockback some predator insects. |
|
beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid (Leverage 360) |
2.8 fl oz | 12 h | 7 d | 3, 4 | E-G | Apply at 50% eggs hatch when larvae are small. |
|
abamectin + cyantraniprole (Minecto Pro) |
5.5 to 10 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 6, 28 | E | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Don’t apply more than twice to a generation of CPB, or within any 30-day period. |
|
zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx) |
3.2-4.0 fl oz | 12 h | 1 d | 3 | G-F | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small. |
|
azadirachtin (Neemix 4.5 IGR) |
4-10 fl oz | 4 h | 0 d | NC | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are very small. If needed, follow-up with 2-3 applications at 7-10 day intervals. |
|
pyrethrins (PyGanic Crop Protection EC 5.0) |
4.5-15.61 fl oz | 12 h | 0 d | 3A | F | Apply at 30% egg hatch when larvae are first instars. Don’t wait until plants are heavily infested. Don’t apply to consecutive generations of CPB. |
|
spinetoram (Radiant SC) |
4.5-8 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 5 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
novaluron (Rimon) |
6-12 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 15 | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. Use higher rates and higher spray volumes when larvae are large. |
|
flupyradifurone (Sivanto 200 SL) |
10.5-14 fl oz | 4 h | 7 d | 4D | G | Apply at 50% egg hatch when larvae are small. |
|
tolfenpyrad (Torac) |
14-21 fl oz | 12 h | 14 d | 21A | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched for best results. Rapid anti-feeding activity. It controls eggs, larvae, and adults. |
|
Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. (Trident Biological Insecticide) |
3-6 qt | 4 h | 0 d | 11 | ND | Apply as soon as eggs begin to hatch. Larvae stop eating within a few hours, and they die within 2-4 days. |
|
chlorantraniliprole (Vantacor) |
1.2-2.5 fl oz | 4 h | 14 d | 28 | E | Apply when about 50% of the eggs have hatched and most larvae are small. Don’t apply more than once via chemigation for CPBs. |
|
lambda-cyhalothrin (Warrior II) |
1.28-1.92 fl oz | 24 h | 7 d | 3 | G-F | Apply at 50% egg hatch while larvae are small. |