What home remedies will kill potato bugs?

A strategy of rotation, resistant varieties, insecticides, and handpicking can get rid of the potato beetle [Lema trilineata]. Culturally and mechanically, potatoes should be planted in different locations each year. More resistant potato varieties include the short season kinds, such as 'Superior'.

Organic gardeners and growers may choose Bacillus thuringiensis var. san diego to control the beetle in its larval stage. Non organic options include insecticides whose active ingredients are carbaryl or thiodan.

Effective insecticides may have no wait between application and harvest. But they may not be needed at all if the infestation isn't severe. Specifically, handpicking, bagging and burning may be enough of a control.