Japanese Beetles

By: Christina T.

It’s that time of the year again when we start thinking about Japanese Beetle prevention methods. Here are a few ways you can defend your yard against Japanese Beetles. It is recommended to utilize at least two methods of defense to see results. For maximum results, and if you have the time, use all methods of prevention to decrease the Japanese Beetle population.

1. Mix soapy water into a bucket and start collecting the beetles in reach by dropping them into the mix. The soap creates a sticky film preventing them from flying away.

2. Japanese Beetle Killer, Neem Oil, or Eight are all sprays that work well on container gardens and ground beds to protect certain annuals and perennials that Japanese Beetles pray on.

Stock is limited for some products! Please call ahead!

3. Beetle Bagger, a Bonide product, is great for trapping Japanese Beetles in hard to reach areas like taller shrubs and trees that are affected. This product comes with a pheromone drawing the beetles into the bag and trapping them. Bags will need to be replaced once full.

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4. Milky Spore, a St. Gabriel Organics product, is the ultimate prevention in your yard. This granular product can be applied using a spreader on grass, in annual or perennial gardens, and mulch beds. Applying this to your lawn can help with grub control and stop them from developing into beetles. Apply in the early spring or fall time.

Grub Beater is another product that can be used on your lawn that is more cost friendly. Use as a defense for the future. Apply Grub Beater to your lawn using the proper protective wear and application rates for your area of lawn. A granular that can be dissolved by irrigating after spreading works best.

Why is it important to treat Japanese Beetles?

Question: Does It Really Matter If I Treat My Lawn For Japanese Beetles? If The Neighbors Don't, Won't They Just Fly Over And Start The Process All Over Again?

There are a few factors to take into consideration. Female Japanese Beetles are looking for just the right type of soil/turf to lay their eggs. She's looking for large areas of turf in full sun that is well watered, so basically anyone's dream, lush lawn. Not everyone has this type of environment. In a more developed neighborhood trees provide shade that creates a non-ideal habitat for her eggs. On the other hand, it's not realistic to say she will never lay her eggs in the shade, it's just not ideal. Also, having a lawn in the sun requires upkeep that some people don't have time for.

Another important factor is having plants that the Japanese Beetles love to feast on. There are over 300 species of plants that they enjoy, however not everyone has these in their yard, or some are more affected than others.

With this said, not every yard is affected by Japanese Beetles and some are more affected by others, depending on your lawn and the species of plants you have in it. It's important to remember that while they are feasting on your plants they are also mating, and soon after the females will lay their eggs.