Comments on: Japanese Beetles: What Can You Do?

By: Plant Clinic

Plant Clinic — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:53:46 +0000

Milky spore disease is not considered to be as effective in our colder climate as it is farther south. If we have a cold winter, it sometimes does not survive. A better organic alternative to kill all grubs, not just Japanese beetle grubs, is to use beneficial nematodes which are microscopic roundworms which seek out the grubs and kill them.

People who spray dish soap on their plants may damage their plants. Dish soap was meant to wash dishes and sometimes kills leaves. If you insist on spraying dish soap on your leaves, first test the soap for safety by spraying the soap on a leaf or two and wait a few days to see what happens.

However, if you shake the beetles into a bucket of soapy water (not spraying it on the leaves), they will drown.

By: Terry Vitacco

Terry Vitacco — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:03:43 +0000

How much tap water per tablespoon of castor oil soap? Spray
bottles come in several different sizes.

By: m, kaspar

m, kaspar — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:42:26 +0000

does diatomaceous earth work on Japanese beetles?

By: Patricia Ebelt

Patricia Ebelt — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 15:09:32 +0000

Where do Japanese Beetles go at night or when it rains?

By: marnee

marnee — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:21:24 +0000

Milky spore treatment is only effective if all of your neighbors use it as a lawn treatment too, since Japanese Beetles will fly into your yard to eat your tasty roses from your neighbors yards.

By: plantmgr

plantmgr — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:48:53 +0000

I use dishwashing liquid and water in a plastic disposable cup. I use about two squirts of the soap and fill the cup about 2/3 full. I enjoy tapping the bugs so they fall in the cup. It’s cathartic!

By: kjaros

kjaros — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:11:33 +0000

Milky Spore is a bacterium, Bacillus popillae, which is lethal primarily for Japanese beetle grubs. Once applied, it can remain in the soil for many years. In warm climates, good control of the Japanese beetle can occur in one to three years; in cooler climates, three to five years. It is considered an organic treatment for Japanese Beetle grubs.

I was able to find a number of outlets online for the product. You should also check with your local garden center.

By: kjaros

kjaros — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:04:42 +0000

Neem oil products should be available at your local hardware store or garden center. You can also order through online outlets.

By: Cliff Hill

Cliff Hill — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 19:30:24 +0000

Where can one purchase Neem oil products?
Thanks!

By: Carol Bennema

Carol Bennema — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:57:03 +0000

Thank you SO much for this information.
They hit my yard in Downers Grove last week.
CB