Homegrown Notions: Japanese Beetles

by Beth Cook, Mammoth Cave Transplants
Japanese beetle damage is pretty easy to identify. Usually, the bugs can be caught in the act. The telltale signs of Japanese beetles include skeletonized leaves or total defoliation. Japanese beetles also love to eat rosebuds — from the inside out. Get them under control or they can be detrimental to your garden. 

Insecticides- A number of insecticides are available to kill Japanese beetles. by spraying the affected plants with Japanese beetle killer with ingredients such as carbaryl or pyrethrin). Pyrethrin-based insecticide is a safe and effective way to control these pests on vegetables, grapes, raspberries, flowers, roses, trees and shrubs. In addition to controlling Japanese beetles, it also controls cucumber beetles, flea beetles, cabbageworms, and more. As soon as you notice beetles, begin spraying.  The beetles release chemicals called pheromones into the air. These pheromones attract other beetles. So if you see a few of the bugs, they'll probably attract more. Get rid of Japanese beetles early, before they can invite more of their friends to feed on your plants.

Hand Pick: Japanese beetles are slow. You can easily pick them off plants with your hands and toss them into a bucket of soapy water. Do it in the morning when the beetles are less alert.

Prevent: Although the adult Japanese beetles cause most of the damage, the larvae- grubs-- can also damage your lawn. A number of grub killing products are quite effective. Ideally, apply it in spring before the beetles emerge. Treating for the grubs will reduce the amount of that emerges into beetles.

Vulnerable Plants to Japanese Beetles

If you have these  plants, monitor them closely:

• Linden
• Crab apple
• Apple
• Japanese maple
• Norway maple
• Rose
• Crape myrtle
• Pin oak
• Birch
• Cherry (plum, apricot, peach)

Remember to take action early and keep spraying those plants regularly so you don't go buggy!

~~Gardeners learn by trowel and error. ~Gardening Saying~~