Difference between revisions of "Kill Japanese Beetles"

Japanese beetles are the most widespread turf-grass pest in the US, mostly found in the Eastern and Midwest regions.<ref name="rf1">http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/JB3-07.indd.pdf</ref> They are a detriment to anyone's garden, as the adult beetles can consume the leaves and flowers of numerous types of plants. The larvae, which are called white grubs, feast on the plants' roots and can create dead patches on the grass. The adult beetles are a metallic green, and once they emerge from the ground in late spring or early summer, immediately begin feeding on your plants.<ref name="rf2">http://www.almanac.com/content/japanese-beetles</ref> Knowing how to kill Japanese beetles effectively and efficiently can prevent your prized plants from becoming beetle food.

[[Category: Pest Control]]

#Use nematodes to kill larvae. Nematodes are parasitic insect-eating round worms that feed on the grubs in the ground, providing an organic pest control method. Common nematode types include Steinernema Feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.<ref name="rf3">http://www.buglogical.com/beneficial-nematodes/</ref> Place nematodes in the soil in late August or early September to begin treating the grubs for the next year.<ref name="rf4">http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/japanese-beetles</ref> But you can apply nematodes as soon as there is evidence of Japanese beetle activity in your yard.<ref name="rf5">http://www.nematodes.com/</ref>

#*Beneficial nematodes only attack soil dwelling pests, such as Japanese beetles, fleas, German cockroaches, termites, and ants. They are not harmful to people, animals, plants, or earthworms.<ref name="rf5" />

#*Some ingredients to look for when purchasing an insecticide are carbaryl, acephate, and permethrin.<ref name="rf6">http://www.bhg.com/gardening/pests/insects-diseases-weeds/stop-japanese-beetles/</ref> A Pyrethrin-based insecticide is a safe way to control pests on your plants while getting rid of other beetles in the process.<ref name="rf7">http://www.gardeners.com/how-to/control-japanese-beetles/5163.html</ref>

#*Azadirachtin, one of the components of neem oil, can also repel and reduce the feeding of nematodes.<ref name="rf8">http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/neemgen.html</ref> Use caution using neem oil if you have nematodes in your ground to combat grubs.

#Spray Japanese beetles with insecticidal soap. Soap-detergent sprays are contact pesticides, with no residual effects. They are similar to household detergents, but are specifically designed not to harm plants like household soaps can.<ref name="rf9">http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05547.html</ref>

#*The ingredient you are looking for in a spray is potassium bicarbonate.<ref name="rf2" />

#*Don't squish the beetle to kill it. Beetles attract more beetles through pheromones, which are so powerful they can attract beetles from a few thousand feet.<ref name="rf10">http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/japanese-beetles/</ref> If you squish a Japanese beetle, you run the risk of releasing the female beetle sex pheromone.

#Cover your plants with a floating row cover. These covers allow sunlight, air, and water in, but keep beetles out. Make sure to keep the edges of the covers flush with the ground so no beetles can get through. If you already have a grub problem, avoid this method because it could potentially trap beetles inside with your plants.<ref name="rf11">http://www.toxicfreenc.org/organicgardening/japanese_beetles.html#.VJBy1_k7upc</ref>

#Keep your plants healthy. Japanese beetles are attracted to overripe and rotting plants.<ref name="rf12">http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/fieldcropsipm/insects/soybean-japanese-beetle.php</ref> To avoid luring in beetles, harvest your plants regularly and try to keep them healthy.

#Avoid Japanese beetle traps. These traps use pheromones and scented lures to attract beetles. Most research has found that traps attract more beetles to a yard than it actually traps.<ref name="rf10" /> This means you are unnecessarily attracting beetles to your yard, resulting in a larger problem. Only use this method if you have a large yard and can place the trap a significant distance away from your garden.