rosemary leaf beetle

[srodders]

I've just discovered that all my lavender has suffered attack from rosemary leaf beetle. I've seen 3 but from the damage there must be lots more that I can't see. I find that soapy water is not much use against them.

Anyone got any good ideas of how to get rid of/kill them?

[kentvegplot]

Oh dear, such a pretty pest too!

You will have to pick off the beetles, there's nothing else that works. They will also attack sage as well as rosemary and lavender so if you have that, take a look there too.

[joel]

I've just seen one on a Ribes (ornamental)
My Rosemary is in shreds.
Will nothing get these suckers?
They are beautiful, agreed.
j

[joel]

Ok, it's not so green:
Royal Horticultural Society - Research Projects: Rosemary Leaf Beetle

Control
Rosemary beetle can be controlled either with insecticides or hand picking of adults and larvae. If pesticides are used then these are best applied in late summer to early autumn or in the spring, when the beetles and larvae are active on the plants. Suitable insecticides that can be used include bifenthrin, thiocloprid or imidacloprid. Insecticides should not be used while plants are in flower because of the danger to bees. Only the ready-to-use formulation of thiocloprid (Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready to Use) is approved for use on edible herbs.