Keep the bugs at bay

■ Look out for scarlet lily beetle and its revolting black larvae. Remove by hand or treat severe attacks with insecticide, which is more effective on larvae than adults.

You may wish to use an organic treatment based on pyrethrins, such as Bug Clear Gun for Fruit or Defenders Bug Killer (containing fatty acids). Never spray open flowers.

■ Container plants can be vulnerable to attack by vine weevil. Adult beetles make notches in the leaves while the grubs cause serious damage to plants’ roots. Apply a chemical control or biological remedy any time between now and the end of August.