By Jeffery L. Moore
The Mexican bean beetle is a native of Mexico and has caused economic damage and plant injury in many southwestern states. Today it is posing a problem for home gardeners all around. The Mexican bean beetle first appeared in Alabama in 1918 and quickly spread covering the entire east coast, from Florida to New England. The Mexican bean beetle does the most damage during the months of July and August. Its favorite crops are snap beans, soybean leaf, runner beans, green beans, string beans, lima beans, and cowpeas.