What are Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are invasive pests originally from Japan, where natural predators keep their population in check. In the United States however, they thrive due to the lack of natural enemies. Adult beetles are about half an inch long with a metallic green body and copper-brown wings. They emerge in early summer and are most active during warm, sunny days.
Impact
The damage caused by Japanese beetles can be extensive. It can affect both ornamental plants and crops. In gardens, they can ruin the appearance and health of prized plants. In agricultural settings, they can significantly impact yield and quality, leading to economic losses.
Signs of a Japanese Beetle Infestation
Before taking action, it is important to confirm that Japanese beetles are the cause of your garden damage. Common signs include:
- Skeletonized leaves: Leaves are eaten down to the veins, creating a lacy appearance.
- Visible beetles: Japanese beetles are easy to spot on plants during daylight hours.
- Damaged flowers and fruit: You may notice chewed-up blossoms or fruit with holes.
How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles
Learning how to get rid of Japanese beetles effectively is important for safeguarding your garden’s health and beauty. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you tackle these pests and maintain a thriving garden.
Manual Removal
Once you identify these pests, you can get rid of them manually. Manual removal is a simple yet effective way to eliminate these beetles. Regularly inspect your plants, preferably in the early morning or late evening when beetles are less active. Wearing gloves, gently pick the beetles off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
Use Natural Sprays
If you are wondering how to get rid of Japanese beetles organically, neem oil is a good option. Neem oil can deter adult beetles and disrupt their lifecycle by affecting eggs and larvae. Apply the oil to plants like roses, fruits and vegetables. Follow the instructions on the neem oil package for the best results.
How To Make and Apply Neem Oil:
- Mix neem oil with water as directed on the product label.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Apply the spray evenly to plants commonly targeted by beetles, such as roses, fruits and vegetables.
- Reapply after rain or every 7-14 days for continued protection.
Neem oil is safe for most plants but test a small area first to ensure compatibility.
Milky Spore
Milky spore is a natural treatment aimed at grubs (larvae) in the soil. Spreading this bacterium on your lawn will kill developing larvae. It will reduce the future population of adult beetles. This method is safe around pets and other beneficial insects.
Directions:
- Use a spreader to evenly distribute milky spore powder across your lawn.
- Water the treated area lightly to help the spore settle into the soil.
- Milky spores can take a season or more to show results but provide long-term grub control once established.
- Follow the product instructions for reapplication intervals, typically a few times over a year.
This method is safe for pets and beneficial insects. It is an eco-friendly choice for controlling Japanese beetles.
Set up Traps Thoughtfully
Using Japanese beetle traps can help manage beetle populations effectively. These traps attract beetles using a dual lure system, combining natural pheromones and a floral lure, which can attract two to five times more beetles than floral lures alone.
- Deploy traps during the beetle season, typically late spring to early summer, when beetles are most effective.
- Position traps at the edges of your garden or yard, at least 20-30 feet away from ornamental plants, roses, fruit trees and vegetables. This placement draws beetles away from valuable greenery.
- Assemble the trap by attaching the disposable bag to the trap’s yellow vane assembly and inserting the lure. Use the included hand tie to place the trap in a sunny, open area for maximum effectiveness.
- Check traps regularly and seal and dispose of full bags as needed. Replacement bags and lures are available to maintain effectiveness throughout the season.
By strategically placing these traps, you can reduce beetle numbers while keeping your landscape and valuable plants protected.
Adopt Healthy Gardening Practices
An integral part of knowing how to prevent Japanese beetles involves maintaining a robust garden ecosystem. Healthy, well-watered plants can better withstand beetle damage. Regularly prune damaged branches and practice vigilant garden maintenance to deter beetle infestations.
Plant Beetle-resistant Plants
Choosing plants that are less appealing to Japanese beetles is a smart preventive measure. Consider integrating plants like boxwood, daylilies or magnolias into your garden. These species naturally resist beetle attacks.
Consider Professional Help
If beetle infestations become overwhelming, consulting a professional pest control service may be necessary. They can offer advanced solutions to this pervasive problem.
When to Take Action
Timing is important when dealing with Japanese beetles. Adults are most active from late June to early August, while larvae are present in the soil during late summer and fall. By targeting both the adults and larvae, you can reduce their population over time.
Additional Tips to Prevent Japanese Beetles
- Maintain healthy soil: Healthy soil reduces the likelihood of beetle infestations. Aerate your lawn and add compost to promote a strong root system, which can help plants resist damage.
- Use row covers: Cover your plants with fine mesh during the peak beetle season to protect them from feeding adults.
- Clean up attractants: Clean up fallen fruit and leaves, which can attract beetles. Also avoid planting species like roses and grapes near other vulnerable plants.
- Treat the lawn grubs (larvae): Japanese beetles lay their eggs in the soil where larvae develop into grubs. These grubs feed on grass roots before maturing into adult beetles. Treat your lawn with grub control products in late summer or early fall to kill the larvae.