Full question:

I have loads of green shield beetles on my calendulas, which I thought was supposed to be a good companion plant. Should I be happy that they are on the dead flower heads and not so much on the beans and therefore leave the flowers there? I do knock them off into boiling water which is very effect at reducing the population.

Our response:

It’s unusual that green shield beetles are on your calendulas and not eating up your beans, but that’s a good thing. So leave your calendulas as they are, and get rid of as many of the green shield beetles as you can. Dropping the beetles into boiling water is a good method, as is dropping them into a solution of water with a splash of methylated spirits. Alternatively just squish them with your fingers – the smell they emit when squished detracts others. Good luck!