Crafty Little Blighters (I think I've met my match)

[rogesse]

Over the last 3 weeks I've been getting to know the asparagus beetle and as much as I've been squishing them at every opportunity, I must admit a grudging admiration. They're not only quite pretty (adult, the larvae are pug ugly) but quite smart! If you see one head (or stalk) on they sidle around until out of view. You could play that game with them for hours (I've tried - its fun) but if you do knock it off it either flies off or flips of your hand or as a last resort plays dead!

They make a right mess of your asparagus though

[Jeanied]

The beetles dive off if you shake the stem - helpful if you have a bowl under the stem as you shake it. Then I tip mine onto the paving and stomp on them. The grubs get the squish between the fingers - they are disgusting. I still have some on the ferns but I'll get them in the end!

[rogesse]

I forgot to mention they dive at the slightest touch and yes the grubs are revolting things!

Apart from the squish and stomp I dumped a load into the comfrey brew but I bet the b@!!$rs are doing the back crawl right now.

I like the bowl idea......

[Two_Sheds]

Bob Flowerdew leaves one asparagus uncut, to act as a sacrificial plant. Once it's full of eggs, larvae & adults, destroy the whole thing.