Alright, unfortunately it's that time of year again. The Japanese beetles are running rampant, eating down our pretty flowers and crops that we have spent so much time caring for. Luckily there are some ways we can prevent these beetles from destroying our crops one bite at a time. Let's go over some quick and easy remedies and even some more long term prevention.
Before we get into the nitty gritty, let's talk some important details first. Japanese beetles can be targeted in two stages. The first stage is when they are grubs. This is when they're underground, in lawns and gardens. This is how these pesky pest start out. The second stage is when you typically see them, as grown beetles. As I go through each treatment method, I will include the stage they will be in.
#1 - Japanese Beetle Spray
Japanese Beetle Spray works by killing on contact. You can use this spray on vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, trees & shrubs. You can find this spray in your local garden centers and hardware stores. Since this kills on contact, you want to spray in the beetle stage.
#2 - Japanese Beetle Traps
Japanese Beetle Traps are another method you will want to use in the beetle stage. These often come with a dual release phermone lure, lure holder, and a few disposable bags. The lure will last you all season, all you have to do is change out the bags as they fill. You might be asking, how does this work? Well, the beetle is attracted to the pheromone lure and makes its way towards it. They then fall into the bag and cannot get out. This helps draw them away from your crops.
#3 - Home Remedies
This is a bit more tedious, but it works. You can fill a bucket up with soapy water and go around collecting the beetles you seeing and throwing them in your becket. Soapy water can suffocate Japanese beetles, so the second they hit the water they are taken care of.
#4 - Milky Spore
This method is great for targeting the beetles in their grub stage. Milky Spore uses the naturally occurring bacterium, Paenibacillus popilliae. This bacillus primarily targets Japanese Beetle grubs, before they become the destructive adults. Application is fairly simple. Start by shaking up the powder, this makes it nice and fluffy. Then place 1 teaspoon every 4 feet throughout your whole lawn and garden. Then water it in. The best time to does this is in the spring or fall because this is when they are in the grub stage. Milky spore is typically an one time application, so you shouldn't need yo keep treating year after year.
Bonus- Winsome Flies
Winsome flies were released to control the Japanese Beetle population in MN. The initial release was from 1998-2006 by the USDA and MDA. These beneficial insects lay their white eggs just behind the head of Japanese Beetle adults. The fly can lay one, two, three, or more eggs on one beetle; however, only one parasitic larva will survive to kill the beetle. Within a few days of egg-lay, the parasitic larva will hatch, and with “serrated” mouthparts bore through the host cuticle and begin feeding.
The U of M extension has a lot wonderful information if you want to learn more!
Go get those bugs!
-Megan :)
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