What could be eating my french beans?

[Tracey]

Hi

i planted my french beans a few weeks ago. I've protected them from the frost successfully, but something is nibbling the leaves. I don't think it's slugs, what else could it be at this time of year?

Tracey

[lainey lou]

slugs and snails do like them!
Might be wrong but I think it's a little early for french beans.

[Alison]

I'm not going to be planting my French beans until mid to late March but suppose it depends on where you live and what level of protection you can give them. As you say, they are very suseptible to frost.

[zazen999]

I always say to my OH 'I don't think it is slugs' and it flipping well always is - little blighters. Usually the really little ones.

[peanut]

Could be voles and mice.

[allotmentlady]

Mice like nibbling but I guess its the little white slugs.........bit early for french beans isnt it? I aint even sown mine!

[Two_Sheds]

I won't even be sowing my Frenchies until April - planting out in May. They are tender and won't be happy sitting in cold wet soil. Sorry.

BTW, yes it's most likely slugs. I picked some little ones off my cabbages today.

[Flummery]

I also think it is slugs (maybe french slugs?) and I also think they shouldn't be out so young! They'll grow much stronger and better in May and will therefore be better able to withstand the attacks.

[The Doctor]

The broadies I planted last november are mostly up, and their leaves are already being nibbled by vine weavil. This looks like little u-shaped bits cut out of the edges of the leaves.

Any chance it might be this?

[Tracey]

The broadies I planted last november are mostly up, and their leaves are already being nibbled by vine weavil. This looks like little u-shaped bits cut out of the edges of the leaves.

Any chance it might be this?

Yes, that's what it look like. How can I 'organicaly' eliminate them?

[The Doctor]

There's an RHS link with a bit more info here.

You can also get a natural nematode here.

[Tracey]

Thanks for the link

[Cutecumber]

I agree it's a weevil, but I think it's more likely pea and bean weevil rather than vine weevil. I'm not sure the nematode will do you any good if it's not vine weevil.

And yes, just to add to the majority verdict... it's darn early for french beans

[Two_Sheds]

The broadies I planted last november are mostly up, and their leaves are already being nibbled by vine weavil. This looks like little u-shaped bits cut out of the edges of the leaves.

Any chance it might be this?

Prob pea & bean weevil (Sitona lineatus) http://www.entomart.be/nouveaux/NEO-...itonalinea.jpg , not vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) http://dereila.ca/dereilaimages/Beetle5.jpg


No chemical control needed - walk along the beans and shake the beetles off into a jug. Crush the blighters under your boot.

[jeannine]

Pesky weevils, some are nibbling the sweet peas on our allotment too.

On the plus side chickens love them, so if you find any Tracey, at least your girls will be happy!!!