It’s fascinating to note that Japanese beetles only emerge for a feeding period lasting around six to eight weeks per year. This brief window may seem insignificant, but the damage they can inflict during this time is astonishing. As someone who has experienced firsthand the devastating impact of these tiny pests on a harvest, I understand the sense of dread that comes with their annual appearance.
While it’s true that there aren’t many effective solutions to completely eliminate Japanese beetles, I’d like to share some methods that have shown promise in controlling their population and saving your garden from their ravages. Perhaps one of these approaches will prove successful for you.
How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles
Sevin Dust
When maintaining an organic garden, I’ve found it challenging to avoid using conventional methods entirely. After experiencing repeated losses due to Japanese Beetles, I’ve had to resort to using Sevin Dust as a last line of defense. If you’re struggling with these pesky insects and feel like they’re gaining the upper hand, consider pulling out this trusty insecticide and applying it liberally to your plants. The beetles will be quickly dispatched, restoring balance to your garden.
However, keep in mind that re-application is necessary, as Japanese Beetles can emerge in massive numbers. Simply killing off the beetles present today won’t guarantee they won’t return en masse tomorrow.
Bag a Bug
When controlling Japanese Beetles, I often start by setting up Japanese Beetle traps. These clever contraptions typically consist of bags attached to a metal pole. To use them, you simply place the bags on the pole and include an attractant that lures the beetles away from your plants and into the bag instead. Once inside, the beetles can’t escape, allowing you to collect them without harming your garden.
This method not only eliminates the need for insecticides but also protects your plants from damage caused by these pesky insects.
Guinea Fowl
The introduction of guinea-fowl to our homestead was a direct result of my ongoing battle with Japanese Beetles. In a previous post, I shared my personal experience with raising these birds and how they’ve become a valuable asset in managing the pest problem in my garden.
While I have a deep appreciation for guinea-fowl, it’s their ability to consume Japanese Beetles that truly sets them apart.
Since incorporating them into our homestead, we’ve experienced a significant reduction in beetle damage and have enjoyed a bountiful harvest as a result.
That being said, I must admit that guineas aren’t without their limitations. They’re effective at controlling beetles that are within reach, but they can’t quite reach those that are situated higher up. For instance, our grape vines pose a challenge due to their height.
The guineas are able to protect the lower and middle sections of the vines with ease, but the top portions remain vulnerable.
In these situations, alternative methods become necessary to ensure complete beetle control.
A Cup of Soapy Water
To control Japanese Beetles using this method, start by filling a plastic cup with water, leaving about half the container empty. Add a small amount of dish soap to the mixture. Then, take a stroll around your garden or yard and collect Japanese Beetles in handfuls. Once you’ve gathered them, simply toss them into the soapy water. Due to the surfactant properties of the dish soap, the Japanese Beetles will not be able to survive this treatment.
While this method does require some effort and regular monitoring, it can be an effective way to manage Japanese Beetle populations if done consistently.
Cover Your Rows
As you’re likely tired of waging war against Japanese Beetles in your garden, it’s time to consider alternative solutions. Without guineas or other natural predators on the job, the constant threat of these pests can be overwhelming. To break the cycle, you might want to invest in row covers for your plants. By draping these breathable fabrics over the rows of your garden, you’ll effectively redirect Japanese Beetles’ attention away from your prized foliage and flowers.
This simple yet effective method allows you to maintain an organic gardening approach while safeguarding your harvest and preserving the beauty of your outdoor space. Once the beetles have passed, simply remove the row covers and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But here’s the best part: these versatile covers can also be used in the winter to shield plants from frost damage or provide protection against other pests like leafhoppers.
As you consider ways to coexist with Japanese Beetles, remember that row covers are a valuable tool in your gardening arsenal.
Neem Oil
When using neem oil to control Japanese Beetles, it’s essential to note that it doesn’t mix well with these pesky insects. To create an effective spray, you can blend neem oil with water and apply it to your plants. The key lies in the fact that when Japanese Beetles feed on treated plants, they ingest the neem oil, which then affects their offspring.
This natural process allows the neem oil to harm the larvae before they reach adulthood, ultimately reducing the Japanese Beetle population in your garden. As a result, your plants are less likely to be targeted by pests, giving them a better chance to thrive.
A.M. Coverage
Japanese beetles are notorious for their morning activity, making them particularly vulnerable to clever gardeners. If you’re not ready to invest in row covers, a DIY alternative is to drape large sheets over your plants or garden in the morning, trapping any would-be invaders before they can land and feed. Once the morning rush has subsided, simply roll up the sheets with their unwanted contents inside.
Next, fill a large bucket with soapy water, then shake out the trapped beetles into their new aquatic home. The dish soap will prove too toxic for them to survive, rendering your morning’s work effective. Repeat this process daily until the beetles’ eight-week feeding period has come to a close.
Fermented Fruit Cocktail
While I make a conscious effort to avoid consuming canned goods due to their preservative-laden nature, I do accept store-bought canned food donations on occasion. One such item is fruit cocktail, which I repurpose in an innovative way. By leaving the can open and allowing it to sit in direct sunlight for about a week, the fruit undergoes fermentation. This process creates a perfect environment for attracting Japanese Beetles.
To set up this natural deterrent, I construct a stable base using bricks, cinder blocks, or wood blocks, place a small pail on top, and fill it with fermented fruit cocktail from the can. Next, I add water to the pail until it’s almost full. Placing this setup approximately 10 feet away from the targeted plants will release a sweet aroma that lures Japanese Beetles away from the plants and towards the fermented fruit.
As the beetles approach the pail, they’ll be unable to escape due to the water’s depth, ultimately leading to their demise.
Geraniums
To outsmart Japanese Beetles, I recommend planting geraniums in your garden. These pests are attracted to the plant’s unique taste, which causes them to become disoriented and fall to the ground when consumed. This provides a prime opportunity for you to sweep up the beetles and dispose of them in soapy water, effectively eliminating the problem. While this method may require regular maintenance to ensure the beetles don’t regain their composure, it’s an effective way to manage the issue.
Additionally, incorporating other methods such as using guineas or covering plants can be a winning combination for keeping Japanese Beetles under control. As someone who battles these pests annually, I’ve found that combining different approaches helps me stay one step ahead. For instance, my guineas take care of the majority of the problem, while the cup of soapy water method is useful for handling any remaining beetles.
Be cautious not to leave plants covered for too long, however, as this can cause damage in warm climates like mine. I hope you find these suggestions helpful in your own battle against Japanese Beetles and would love to hear from others who face similar challenges.
