Monday, June 8, 2026

How to Protect Lilies From Pests?


 

 
You'd probably say that the pests need to be exterminated. But these pests, especially the lily beetle, are quite cunning. They try to nibble on young lily buds when the gardener isn't looking or is busy with other plants.
 
I usually inspect lily buds during the day and see new ones appearing. If I don't treat them immediately, the beetle will inevitably find them and eat them from the inside. Within a day or two, the buds will turn yellow and fall off. Then, it's possible that several beautiful lilies won't bloom.
 

 
 
This bright red beetle lays pink eggs on lilies, which can deprive the plant of almost all its buds. Its bright color and impressive size (6-8 mm long) make it stand out against the green foliage. Red beetles on lilies are quite common.  
 

 
 
The lily beetle may look beautiful with its scarlet coloring, but it is a very dangerous pest. If this insect is detected, immediate control measures are necessary. It has powerful jaws. Its diet includes not only leaves but also buds, flowers, and even lily stems. 
 
 

 

 
 
To control lily beetles, I use an organic product: dolomite flour, a natural remedy. Dolomite is a naturally occurring mineral found in nature as a sedimentary rock. Dolomite is composed of oxygen, calcium, and carbon and is found throughout the world. Chemicals can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects, as well as pets.
 
All the best!
 
Photos of lilies from my garden in 2025. Photos of beetle pests from the internet. 

18 comments:

  1. Hello Nadezda,
    I know the lily beetle too well. It's interesting what you write about dolomite flour. I've almost given up on having lilies here because of the beetles. Beautiful photos from your garden.

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    1. If you can buy dolomite flour or dolomite lime, Marit, try it against the beetles. I think it will be successful.

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  2. Nadezda, I applaud your responsible use of an organic control substance. I hope that other gardeners pay heed. And thanks for the pictures of this gorgeous little beetle! It may be destructive but it is very handsome! Best wishes - David

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    1. David, the lily beetle may be beautiful, but I hate it. Although, thanks to its bright coloring, I always see it.

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  3. Boa noite minha querida amiga Nadezda. Acho que esse tipo de besouro, não existe no Brasil. Acho que já tirei uma foto de um tipo de lírio, que existe na Mata Atlântica, acho que no Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos. Uma excelente noite de segunda-feira e um grande abraço do seu amigo carioca.

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    1. I'm glad that these species of beetles do not exist in Brazil, Luiz. Greetings.

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  4. Beautiful photos, Nadezda. Very good tips as well.

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    1. Thank you Linda for your comment, all the best!

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  5. Las plantas hay que protegerlas siempre para que las veamos bonitas. Ese escarabajo hace mucho daño.
    Lolo se está acoplando bien. Gracias.
    Buena semana Nadezda.
    Un abrazo.

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    1. Me alegra que estés bien, Laura. Estoy de acuerdo, necesitamos proteger las plantas.

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  6. Proprio tremendi questi qui! Per fortuna non abbiamo grossi attacchi quindi li tolgo dalla pianta e li schiaccio! Non è la prima volta che sento usare la pietra! Sono felice di sapere che funziona bene!

    Un caro saluto e a risentirci presto.

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    1. Sì, Gabriel, la calce dolomitica funziona bene.

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  7. Dear Nadezda!
    It's very difficult to fight pests when you don't use chemicals in your garden. I know this pest. I pick it from my onion chive every day. It's like fighting against windmills.
    Best regards.

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    1. Lucia, you are very patient, fighting this bug every day. I wish you luck in your fight :)

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  8. Tak, t o prawda. Niektóre szkodniki są wybitnie sprytne i potrafią w najmniej oczekiwanym momencie zaatakować...Pozdrawiam ciepło! Miłego czwartku🌸
    Angelika

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    1. You're right, Angela. We need to fight pests; they harm our plants. Happy Friday.

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