Natural ways to keep the potato beetle away this season
Kosovar farmers and gardeners are turning back to traditional, chemical-free methods to protect potato crops.
PRISHTINA, April 21, 2026 — Potato planting season has begun in the villages of Drenica, Llap and Anamorava, and with it the annual battle against the Colorado potato beetle, which can devastate plantations within weeks if left unchecked.
According to Telegrafi, more and more gardeners are moving away from harsh insecticides and returning to natural methods that are safer for the soil, household pets and the family itself.
What works in practice
Among the most recommended techniques is planting companion species such as garlic, onion, basil and catnip, whose aromas repel the beetle. Daily manual checks—picking off larvae by hand—remain the most effective method for small gardens.
According to Telegrafi, these natural methods “can keep the potato beetle away throughout the season” when used in combination and consistently.
Spraying with neem oil, infusions of tobacco or garlic, and mild soapy water are also choices recommended by agronomists. They harm young larvae without leaving residues on surrounding fruits and vegetables.
The traditional practice of mulching—covering the soil around plants with cut grass or straw—makes it harder for the beetle to climb the plants and also helps retain moisture.
In the villages of Llap, where potatoes are a key family crop, older farmers also use crop rotation: changing the location of potato plots every two or three years so that beetles cannot easily find the plants.
Specialists conclude that combining several natural methods, even though it takes more time than a chemical spray, delivers more sustainable results and a healthier soil in the long run.
Source: Telegrafi