When hungry bugs invade your garden, they can quickly cause problems for your plants. Japanese beetles are one pest that you don’t want hanging around your outdoor space. These bugs are known to feed on plants, often causing significant damage. We’ve gathered information to help you get rid of Japanese beetles in your garden.
What Are Japanese Beetles?
Japanese beetles are an invasive species most common in eastern parts of the United States. These bugs have started moving westward, popping up throughout the country. They feed on a variety of plants, causing damage to leaves and flowers. These bugs have copper wings and a metallic green head. They grow between 1/3"–1/2", and white patches of hair can be found on their abdomen. Japanese beetle larvae are wormlike in appearance, growing to about 1". The larvae are known to feed on the roots of grass, causing the grass to turn brown or die. These beetles are most active in July and August and are often first spotted in late June.
How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles
It’s important to take steps to protect your plants from this invasive bug. Check out a few tips to help prevent and control Japanese beetles.
1. Physically Remove Japanese Beetles
When Japanese beetle populations are low, you can physically remove these pests from your garden. Handpick or knock the beetles off of your plants. You’ll want to knock them into a container or bucket of soapy water to kill them. Be sure to check your plants daily for these bugs. This method can work if you’re dealing with a few beetles, but management will be difficult if there’s a large infestation.
2. Try Companion Planting
Companion planting is a common practice of gardeners that can have a variety of benefits, including repelling unwanted pests. Adding plants to your garden that are known to repel bugs can help to deter Japanese beetles and other harmful plant pests. Herbs, such as thyme, garlic, yarrow, and marigolds are said to help repel these beetles. Placing them in your garden, next to more attractive plants, can help to keep Japanese beetles from snacking on your plants.
3. Use Row Covers
Row covers can help to keep Japanese beetles and other hungry bugs off your plants. The row cover will sit on top of your plants, helping to keep pests away. Your plants will still receive the sunlight and water they need. Row covers work well if your plants have already bloomed. If they are still blooming and in need of pollinators, you’ll want to make sure to remove the row covers to allow pollination to occur.
4. Create a Japanese Beetle Trap
Creating traps around your yard can help to get rid of Japanese beetles. Our Lure & Kill Japanese Beetle Concentrate is designed to attract and kill Japanese beetles. You can turn any bucket into a trap. Fill a 1–2-gallon bucket about halfway with water and then add 2 oz of the concentrate. The plant oils in the concentrate are highly attractive to Japanese beetles. When these bugs enter the bucket, they will drown. You’ll want to place traps around the edges of the property, at least 30 feet from your garden or flowering plants.
5. Treat Your Plants with an Insecticide Spray
Treating your plants with an insecticide spray can also help to keep these hungry bugs away. Our Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer and our Vegetable Garden Insect & Disease Control spray are formulated to kill Japanese beetles and other garden pests. They can be used in home gardens, home greenhouses, and on indoor plants. You’ll want to thoroughly spray your plants. Our Beetle & Boxelder Bug Killer will kill all life stages of Japanese beetles, including eggs. It’s important to note that products containing plant essential oils should not be applied to plants for Japanese beetle control because these pests can be attracted to the oils.
Japanese beetles can be worrisome, especially when they arrive in large numbers. Implementing preventative measures and using pest control products can help to protect your plants from these bugs. If Japanese beetles or other pests are giving you a fit, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.