How to Get Rid Of Japanese Beetles in 6 Quick Ways

How to get rid of Japanese beetles naturally within a minute? To see the multiple tricks for this purpose, continue reading on this page. There are also a few preventive ways.

Although Japanese beetles are not harmful to humans, it does not mean that you cannot work out with them. They can cause a mess in your garden, especially roses, trees, and berry bushes. Hence, you can easily identify them as you may observe that their size is 3/8″ long with a copper green color, and they move slowly. So it is beneficial to catch them by hand and kill them easily.

But you can also use some natural and chemical hacks. However, using any chemical formula may harm your plants, so try to use other methods that are described below. So, move on to the next part to see the methods in detail.

 Rapidly Applying Tricks to Get rid of Japanese Beetles

Like, insects like Japanese beetles can also be a major irritation for your lawn and garden. However, they are not residents in the US due to some natural enemies. But still, if you notice this infestation, then you can apply any of the following methods in your yard or garden. Hence, see some of the ideas:

1.      Select Beetles Using Your Hand

One of the quickest ways to eliminate the Japanese beetles is by hand. You can catch them in the early evening easily. There is a benefit in that the insect cannot move fast, nor can it bite or pinch. That’s why you can get these little pests with your fingers by wearing gardening gloves if you want more safety. But be careful while picking them off of the solution.

So, make a solution of 1 tbsp liquid washing detergent and water to knock beetles off. After picking a beetle, put it in the bucket of soapy water, which will cause it to go down. Furthermore, you can also use the dropcloth when they are active, shake them and dump them in soapy water.

2.      Use Neem Oil to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles by Spraying

Another effective method for the beetle’s elimination is Neem oil. Through this liquid, you can deter adult beetles from feeding by spraying on affected plants. Because the oil contains potassium carbonate, it is somewhat effective, especially on roses. The male beetles ingest the oil, and then they pass it to the eggs. After that, hatch larvae will ultimately drown before they become adults. In this way, they die before being entered into adulthood, as neem oil is non-toxic.

However, remember that you shouldn’t use this oil near aquatic life as it harms fish. You must apply this oil after rain.

3.      Trapping beetles are the Best trick to Use.

Another way to stop the infestation of Japanese beetles from getting worse is by using beetle traps. It works by taking away luring male beetles from the affected areas before they can mate.

Hence, there are several types of traps available to buy, but the main purpose of a trap is to target some kind of attractant like pheromone (chemical messenger) to lure insects to the trap. Then the insects are eliminated or die using a toxicant because they cannot break out of the trap.

Make sure not to place it near your garden or try to pull it out of town and end up with a worse problem. So try them far away from target plants so that beetles will not come upon your favorite flowers and crops on their way to the traps.

4.      To Get Rid of Japanese Beetles: Use Row Cover on Plants

A row covers, without a doubt, could be a worthwhile solution for preventing beetle infestations. Row covers are a barrier to keep beetles out while still allowing moisture and light in, allowing the plants to grow.

Thus, the best time to use this is during the peak feeding stage for the beetles, which generally runs from mid-June to August. Hence, they come in different sizes and can be used on shrubs or trees or put over flowers, ornamental plants, or garden vegetables. Note that row covers will keep pests out but also pollinators. So make sure to remove them if your crops need pollination.

5.      Spray Insecticides

If you want to spray or dust with insecticides, then it is best to contact your local cooperative extension or garden center about the approved insecticides in your vicinity. Another method to try is a homemade solution; that is, mix 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup of vegetable oil and mix well. After that, add it to 1 quart of water and 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and shake vigorously to blend. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it at ten-day intervals on pests.

6.      Getting Rid of Japanese Beetles through Professional Treatment

If you are experiencing a large infestation, then you must consider contacting a pest control expert. The pest control team will evaluate your yard and garden to make a safe and effective treatment plan. Most professionals use a mixture of insecticides and pheromone traps.

Why Don’t You Use Some Preventive Hacks Against Japanese Beetles?

Sadly, there is no particular remedy for getting rid of this pest. However, some experts recommend methods to keep your landscape healthy for general preventive maintenance. Such as removing diseased and improperly nourished trees, as well as any prematurely ripened or diseased fruits that may attract Japanese beetles.

Hence, here are some ways that you can use to take away Japanese beetle populations from your yard or garden:

1.      Use Plant Geraniums.

No preventive method is better than natural hacks to avoid damage to plants. So geraniums are the best option for that. It keeps these pesky insects from destroying other nearby plants. Thus, use the geraniums without hesitation to get rid of Japanese beetles.

According to the research of the US Agriculture Department, after consuming geranium petals for 30 minutes, the beetle rolls over its legs, back, and antennae gradually twitch and remains paralyzed for many hours. Usually, the beetles get better in 24 hours, but sometimes they surrender to death when predators spot them and gulp them down while they are helpless. So use the geranium without a doubt.

2.      Rose Bushes

Keep in mind that insecticides will not fully protect roses that open up too fast and are especially attractive to beetles. So, there is an additional method for your convenience to stop Japanese beetles from destroying your priceless rose bushes: trim any rose buds and take care of them before they bloom.

So try to prune the roses back a bit further than normal after the season’s first flush. Applying this method may help you; ensure that those beetles hanging around will be gone before the flowers flush again. Once you are done trimming, take away the remaining few beetles by hand.

Moreover, you can also cover your rose bushes with a mesh covering. Or spray any affected plants with neem oil to prevent any remaining grubs from becoming adults. This way, you can get rid of Japanese Beetles and make your garden safe and astonishing again.

3.      Use Milky Spore to Ingest the Grubs

To control the Japanese beetle larvae population, you can also use the fungal disease milky spore on your lawn. Then, the grubs ingest the spores as they feed on the soil. This method is effective for 2 to 3 years. Luckily, the spores will be doable in the soil for years, so no worries about continually applying the trick. However, this treatment is costly since the soil must be treated for good control within five to eight miles.

4.      Bring Out The Predators Like Nematodes For Japanese Beetles.

Really, nature is a blessing. Soil-dwelling nematodes are a type of parasite that lives in a variety of environments and hunts down grubs to kill them. Basically, they feed everything from plants and bacteria to humans and animals. Hence, certain nematodes can be useful to control the pest in its grub stage and fight against Japanese beetles.

However, there are two active genera of insect parasitic nematodes that you may consider for getting rid of Japanese beetles and other insect pests too. These are Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, though Heterorhabditis is available only in the market. Thus, you can buy it from a garden store or online and use it in early fall or spring. Another key point is to use nematodes annually, so they don’t build up in the soil.

5.      Water The Soil While It Is Dormant.

Consider irrigating your lawn in the off-season to prevent this pest. As if you do this during the active season of beetles between June and September. It means you’re inviting insects and their eggs onto your lawn.

Do you want to know what else Neem Oil can be used for?

Neem oil not only kills Japanese beetles in the garden but is also used to control other pests. Hence, see some of the following examples:

1. Rose slugs
2. Cabbage loopers
3. Earwigs
4. Grasshoppers
5. Soft-bodied insects
6. Lace bugs
7. Spider mites
8. Rust mites
9. Whiteflies
10. Green stink bugs

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you know all the methods of getting rid of Japanese beetles. So use it at your leisure and exercise caution when employing any trick. In severe cases, avoid doing anything by yourself and contact experts. So, let us know your views by commenting on how this article is worthwhile for you.