A bright red beetle on your lilies might look charming, but it can quickly wear out its welcome. Scarlet lily beetles feed on lilies and fritillaries, and their hungry larvae can strip leaves and damage flower buds. The good news? Regular checks and a little hands-on care can make a real difference.
How to identify lily beetles
Adult scarlet lily beetles have a vivid red back with a black head, legs, and underside. They are roughly 6–9 mm long. Look for them on leaves and stems, especially as your lilies begin growing in spring.
Check the undersides of leaves, too. Their orange to reddish eggs are often laid in small rows. The larvae are less attractive: they cover themselves in dark droppings, so they can look like little blobs of dirt stuck to the foliage. Both adults and larvae feed on the plants.
Signs your lilies need a closer look
- Holes or ragged edges in leaves.
- Chewed flower buds.
- Dark, sticky-looking blobs on leaves.
- Bright red beetles on or around the plants.
Leaf damage alone does not confirm lily beetles. Look for the insects, eggs, or larvae before deciding what to do.
What to do when you find them
1. Check often and start early
Begin inspecting plants when shoots emerge and keep checking through the growing season. During an infestation, a quick daily check is worthwhile. Catching a few adults and eggs is much easier than dealing with lots of larvae.
2. Remove adults by hand
Hold a container beneath the leaf before reaching for a beetle. When disturbed, they often drop off the plant and land upside down, making their black undersides difficult to see against the soil. Pick them off and drop them into a container of soapy water. Use this as a collection method, rather than pouring or spraying the mixture over your plants.
3. Check under every leaf
Gently remove eggs and larvae, wearing gloves if you prefer. Crush the eggs or collect them along with the larvae for disposal. Be careful not to tear healthy leaves as you work.
4. Keep watching after the first cleanup
One cleanup rarely ends the problem. Return to the plants regularly and inspect nearby lilies and fritillaries as well. A few minutes of consistent attention is your best starting point for keeping damage manageable.
Do you need a spray?
For a small planting, start with hand removal and regular inspections. If damage continues and you are considering a pest-control product, ask a local garden centre or extension service about options suitable for your area. In Canada, use only products registered for the intended use, and follow the label's directions and precautions exactly.
Do not assume that a homemade spray or a product described as “natural” is harmless. Avoid spraying open flowers or visiting pollinators, and do not use household cleaners on your lilies.
Helping your lilies recover
Keep the remaining healthy foliage in place. Leaves help the bulb store energy for future growth, so avoid cutting the plant back simply because some leaves look untidy. Water as needed for your growing conditions, avoid waterlogged soil, and keep checking for new beetle activity.
A simple lily beetle routine
Look over the plants, check beneath the leaves, remove adults, eggs, and larvae, and repeat. You do not need a complicated routine, just a watchful eye and a little persistence.
Beautiful lilies are worth protecting. Spotting trouble early gives you the best chance of enjoying their blooms without letting these little red visitors take over.