Question
My green beans have grown about 6 inches tall, and now all the leaves are full of holes.  Is this a pest or blight that I can treat safely to rid the plant of this devastation?
Thank-you.

Answer
Dear Pat:

Your description tells me that you have a pest attacking your green beans.  The Mexican bean beetle is an enemy of your green bean garden as are aphids and leafhoppers.  For control, use either Natural Pyrethrin Insecticide (check with your local garden supply store, or available from Amazon.com); or Insecticidal Soap. You can purchase off the shelf or make your own insecticidal soap using the following recipe:


Insecticidal Soap Spray Recipe

2 tablespoons liquid soap**
1 quart water

Combine ingredients in a bucket, mix thoroughly, then transfer to a spray
bottle as needed. Shake the bottle before use.

**Note: Purchase a liquid soap and not a detergent. Health food
stores have liquid soaps, such as Dr. Bronner抯 Pure-Castile
Soaps.

Soap has been used for centuries as an all-purpose pesticide.
It disrupts insects?cell membranes, and kills pests by
dehydration.

Regards,

Mack Jean
AllExperts
Master Gardener
Tennessee