Pink, pale yellow head; up to 1/8 inch long. Wriggles violently when disturbed.
Lima beans.
Bores through lima bean pods and eats seed. Seldom a pest of snap beans.
Southern part of United States; most damaging in California.
Hand-picking is usually sufficient in keeping these pests below damaging numbers. Crop rotation is also recommended where lima bean pod borers are a problem.
Some botanical insecticides may be effective against lima bean pod borers, see labels.
Use an inseticide labeled for lima beans when damage first noticed.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)