How can I get rid of Japanese Beetles without harming other insects?
by
Lisa
+5
I love to see all the butterflies and bees and dragonflies that come to my gardens, but I hate to see the Japanese Beetles eating my ferns and geraniums. What can I do (besides knocking each one off into water that would take my entire day) to keep the beetles away that won't harm the "other flyers"? Thanks!
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Bag A Bug at Walmart. Works well for me for past two years. Trapped and killed HUNDREDS of them with each refill bag. Saved my Japanese willow this year.
Got my neighbor one this year and she filled two bags. I tied them in a knot when I removed them as many are still alive. The bags have tiny holes to let rain water escape. I used my first bag twice and just poured the contents into a gallon ziplock bag and rehung it. You can buy refills for a few bucks.
Treat your yard for grubs and try to talk your neighbors into treating theirs also. That will greatly reduce their numbers next year.
I shake them into a jar of soapy water when I encounter them on mynroses.
hot powdered peppers, mixed with dawn sprayed on the plants should just about do it. The hotter the pepper, the better it works. The Dawn is safe and helps the powdered pepper stick on the plants. Careful tho, sprays will clog with red peppers powders.... so, is best to have a wire for cleaning handy...