Tip of the Day: Japanese Beetles

TIP OF THE DAY

It's Japanese beetle season and the first surge of adults are emerging. Your best defense against these destructive critters is to hand pick them off plants and plop them in a vessel of soapy water.

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Other Natural Ways to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

Introduce Beneficial Insects – Ladybugs, tachinid flies, and parasitic wasps prey on Japanese beetle larvae and help control their population.

Use Neem Oil Spray – Neem oil disrupts the beetles’ feeding and reproduction cycle while being safe for beneficial insects when applied properly.

Plant Beetle-Repellent Plants – Certain plants deter Japanese beetles, including: Catnip, Chives, Garlic, Marigolds, and Tansy.

Apply Milky Spore Disease – This natural bacteria targets and kills Japanese beetle larvae in the soil, reducing their numbers over time.

Use Beneficial Nematodes – These microscopic worms attack grubs in the soil before they can mature into beetles.

Avoid Beetle Traps – While commercial pheromone traps attract beetles, they often draw more beetles to your yard than they actually capture.

Cover Vulnerable Plants – Use floating row covers during peak beetle season (June to August) to protect plants.