Gardening expert and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh has issued a warning to fellow gardeners to be vigilant for the Colorado beetle, a pest that can devastate crops. Titchmarsh highlighted the threat at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show, noting that the beetle is one of the biggest threats to the UK’s food security, according to the Daily Mail.
The Colorado beetle, a tiny black and yellow-striped insect, can completely destroy crops. It poses a significant risk to the British potato industry. The beetle was eradicated from the UK 50 years ago following a campaign in the 1970s. However, larvae were discovered in a potato field in Kent in 2023, marking the first known return of the species.
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) and DEFRA managed to control the situation in 2023. But Titchmarsh is urging the public to remain vigilant. He said, “It devastates potato crops and we need all the crops we can get in this country. It’s so savage it’ll wipe crops out. It’s like locusts – it’s that fast.” He added that the most effective way to avoid a disaster is to “stamp it out before it becomes reality.”
The Colorado beetle is typically between 6mm to 11mm in size, with distinctive yellow and black stripes on its shell. Its larvae are usually 15mm long and reddish in color. In the wild, the beetle can weaken crops like potatoes and aubergines, reducing their yield. It is also known to strip the foliage from tomatoes and peppers. The beetle has been known to be imported into the UK on various food items such as leafy vegetables, salad leaves, fresh herbs, grain, and frozen vegetables.
Experts are urging people to check these items for signs of the beetle. They also advise gardeners to inspect vegetables picked from their gardens and allotments before consuming them. Professor Nicola Spence, the Environment Department’s chief plant health officer, said the Colorado beetle “poses a significant threat to plants and the wider potato industry.” She added that the public has a crucial role to play in protecting UK biosecurity.
The public is urged to report suspected sightings of the Colorado beetle to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Reports should include a photo and location details.
