How do I SAFELY get rid of Japanese Beetles?

Dav7435459
by Dav7435459

These nasty Pests are really doing a number on a beautiful Zinnia cutting bed and butterfly/humming bird garden my wife and I had prepared for my sister. They're making everything look like Swiss Cheese! I don't want to use the standard solution of a Pherome Beetle Bag as that just seems to draw more of these little buggers into her sanctuary. We also don't want to use environmentally unsafe sprays or chemicals. Please HELP before there's nothing left!

  4 answers
  • BOB.D. BOB.D. on Jul 30, 2018

    beetles traps work great lawn should treated too ,to kill before they hatch

  • Jeanne Grunert Jeanne Grunert on Jul 30, 2018

    To really control Japanese beetles is a year-round project. But you want to control them now, on your zinnias, so let's start there. Use a neem-based spray; it's an organic spray made from the neem tree and is effective at discouraging Japanese beetles. Beetle traps do work and DO NOT attract more beetles (that's a myth). During the fall and spring, grub control for your lawn will also reduce the beetles. Their offspring overwinter as grubs under the turf and grub control products keep their numbers low.

  • 2818713 2818713 on Aug 06, 2018

    In my experience, do not use the beetle traps! They just lure more in, which is very frustrating. Try a neem oil spray or buy neem oil and dilute it with water yourself. This kills them on contact and can help.

  • Grandmaquilts Grandmaquilts on Aug 06, 2018

    I agree with Brittany. Just put your beetle trap AWAY from your plantings that you want to protect.