How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles Without Chemicals or Traps

The Japanese Beetle is a pest that destroys plants in your garden and yard by eating the leaves. Here's how to get rid of them without any pesticides or expensive and counterproductive traps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shallow Pan
• Dish Soap (optional)
• 5 Minutes a day

1. 
   Leaf Damaged by Japanese Beetle

   Remove any traps that are near the plants. Traps are designed to intercept the beetles as they approach the area you are trying to protect while they are still far downwind. Many people locate Japanese Beetle traps close to their plants where the scented bait only serves to draw more beetles to the area.

2. 
   Japanese Beetles gathering at dusk

   Time your attack wisely. The beetles can quickly evade you during the heat of the day when they are most active. At dusk they tend to slow down and congregate on the undersides of the plant's leaves. Go after them at sunset or early in the morning while they are still sluggish.

3. 

   Obtain a plastic dishpan, disposable tinfoil baking pan or other wide, shallow container. Fill it about an inch deep with water and a few drops of dish soap to reduce the surface tension.

4. 

   Approach the infested plant and hold the pan under the leaves starting where the most beetles have gathered. If they are alert they will drop off the leaves in an attempt to escape, right into your pan! Tap the leaves to shake loose any remaining bugs. Don't worry if some escape. When you have collected as many beetles as possible, leave the pan outside.

5. 

   The next day, dump the water and dead insects near your plants. The scent of dead beetles will help repel the live ones. Repeat the collection procedure each day. You won't notice much difference at first but by spending just a few minutes each day you will eventually make an impact. Japanese Beetles lay their eggs in the ground near where they feed, so each year you should notice fewer and fewer beetles on your plants. Eventually you will only have to deal with a few beetles that fly in from elsewhere.

Tips & Warnings

• Be persistent! Spend a few minutes collecting beetles when you get home from work each day before you go inside.

[waters]

on 7/6/2009 Great tips on how to get rid of Japanese Beetles. 5* and recommended