Is Milky Spore Effective?
Bacillus popillae, or milky spore, is a bacterium that occurs in nature. It can effectively cause the grubs, or larvae, of Japanese beetles to become infected and perish. These grubs normally live in lawns and cause damage to turf. The adult beetles cause unsightly damage to the leaves of many plants, such as roses, grapes, crab apples and beans. The effects of milky spore can remain in an area for years, so this natural treatment provides an effective way of controlling Japanese beetles. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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It wasn't until the latter half of the 20th century that pathogens began to be used commercially for the biological control of certain insect pests and diseases. Milky spore became known when a program in the United States designed to control Japanese beetles was undertaken. Milky spore is available to individuals in powdered form and is widely used as a natural control for the grubs that damage lawns. It can be expensive --- to effectively treat 10,000 square feet of lawn, expect to spend more than $60. However, it can prove to be cost-effective because it can remain in the soil for 15 years or longer.
How It Works
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When you apply milky spore powder to grassy areas infested with Japanese beetle grubs, they ingest it. The bacteria in milky spore grow in the grubs and quickly multiply causing a disease that eventually kills the grubs. Grubs can live for several months, especially over winter. In spring, when the spores appear in their blood, growth stops and they perish.
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How to Use It
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You can apply milky spore powder any time of year except if the ground is frozen. Walk up and down your lawn in rows, sprinkling one teaspoonful of the powder every four feet, in rows four feet apart. For a 50-foot by 50-foot lawn, use about 10 ounces of milky spore powder. After you sprinkle milky spore, water your lawn lightly.
Strength in Numbers
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The most effective control of Japanese beetles occurs when milky spore is widely used within a community. By banding together to inoculate parks and individual lawns, a milky spore treatment will cause large numbers of existing grubs to die, thus reducing the Japanese beetle population significantly.
Safety
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The United States Department of Agriculture has certified milky spore to be safe. It is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, which has stated that it is safe to use near bodies of water. It is not harmful to bees and other helpful insects, birds, pets or humans. However, keep milky spore and all garden chemicals and products out of the reach of children.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Japanese beetle/iStockphoto.com
