Can anyone tell me a nontoxic way to get rid of Japanese Beetles other than the traps?

Answer 1

If you really want to get on a bug's nerves, plant herbs that they hate in strategic locations around your garden. The scent of growing herbs is a powerful deterrent . Garlic and tansy are fragrant herbs you can grow in your garden to keep Japanese Beetles away.

You can also make a garden spray to use directly on your plants. One way to do this is to add a few sprigs of a repellent herb into your blender with enough water to liquefy it. Strain it through cloth to make a spray for the plants. Another way, is to use the essential oil derived from these herbs to make your own spray. To deter indoor pests, saturate a cotton ball with the essential oil and place it in strategic locations throughout your home.

All the best. .

Answer 2

Short-term nontoxic way is to flip them into soapy water. It might not seem like you're doing much until you realize that one beetle can attract others since Japanese beetles can fly anywhere from 1-5 miles. That's why pheromone traps will bring in more beetles to your garden.

Long-term "safe" prevention for Japanese Beetles is biological controls such as beneficial nematodes or a product called "milky spore," which attack the grubs, and prevent recurrence for years. Milky Spore continually regenerates as it destroys Japanese beetle grubs, & can last for 3-10 years.

Repellent plants: Catnip, chives, garlic, tansy and rue.

Good luck getting rid of those beetles.

Answer 3

Treat your lawn with Milky Spore. Milky Spore is a naturally occuring bacteria that kills the Japanese Beetle grubs. You can find Milky Spore in many gardening catalogs, garden centers and even Home Depot. It takes up to 3 years to fully take effect, but then you shouldn't need to retreat the lawn for many years.
Milky Spore is harmless to pets and people. As an added bonus, once the grubs are gone from your lawn, you won't have moles and skunks digging up your lawn in search of grubs.

Answer 4

Adult Japanese beetles are susceptible to soap sprays. Soap products are most effective when they dry slowly, so spraying in the very early morning or at night is best. This offers no long term protection, it is contact effective only. Once dry it is nontoxic.
A few beetles on plants will bring in more as they are able to emit an attractant aroma. To control this beetle they must be killed as soon as they start to congregate. If removed daily only half the number will come than if allowed to collect freely. Adults emerge from the ground in late May or early June. So for the entire month of June plants need to be watched. Beetles prefer roses, apple trees, and grapes to many other plants but will eat even poison ivy.
USDA recommends
1T of soap--(the brand doesn't matter just use soap not detergent) Dr Bonner, Ivory Liquid, Dove, pure castille soap or Murphys oil soap can be used for homemade sprays. But be aware commercial horticultural soaps are more effective with less plant damage risked.
1 c vegetable oil – canola, soybean, or neem oil. Horticultural oils in summer weight only!.
Optional: few drops of essential oil to confuse the smells.
When you're ready to spray, add one or two teaspoons of the oil-and-soap solution to a cup of water. Pour that into a sprayer and shake well before use.
Do not spray when temps are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit! Your plants may "burn" or have a reaction to what you are using in excessive heat. This is known as "phytotoxicity.

New product is certified organic
http://pharmsolutionsinc.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=5
Spray straight neem oil to offer longer protection by repelling late arrivers and killing any sprayed directly.

Floating row cover placed over at risk plants will stop pests. Leave plants covered when not at home.

Milky spore to control future generations
http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/cespubs/hyg/html/200120b.html
Nemetodes for hot areas to control larval stage
http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=2349&sid=140643
Nemetodes for cool lawns – soil temps 50-80°F
http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=2344&sid=140643


Prevent egg laying near you. Eggs are laid in short, wet turf preferably. If you have grass mow as tall as possible, 2 1/2 –3 inches, and never water more than 1 inch per week, including rain, or less if you can. Set out several rain gauges in lawn to determine what you put out in your usual watering method.

Answer 5

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