"Pam wrote in message ...
The red devils are around again. I found the first lily beetle on my
Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily) today.
I tried Bob Flowerdew's suggestion of holding it close to my ear. He
says you can hear it clicking. He is right!
I have repotted the lily bulbs.
Does anyone know if Gamma HCH dust will help against lily beetles?
It says "soil pests" and the beetles apparently hide in the soil over
winter. I have quite a few pots of lilies and not much HCH left!

I've actually heard them buzzing before I've seen them, I think they are
calling their mates for a feed!
I doubt the Gamma HCH dust will do much good, better to check daily and
crush any red devils you find. The revolting faeces covered larvae can be
killed with a systemic insecticide or even blasted off the plants with a
high pressure jet from your sprayer.

--
Bob

www.pooleygreengrowers.org.uk/ about an Allotment site in
Runnymede fighting for it's existence.