How to Burn White Sage to Get Rid of Asian Beetles

Sage (Salvia officinalis)--also known as common sage, clary or vervain--is an evergreen shrub that grows about a foot or more high, with wiry, woody stems. Sage can be found growing wild at low elevations along the California coast. Sage prefers arid, nutrient poor, well-drained soils. Native to the northern coastal shores of the Mediterranean, sage has a long history as both a culinary flavoring and as an ingredient in many herbal remedies. Traditionally, white sage has been the most prized and revered of all sages. In Native American cultures sage smudging is used ceremonially to cleanse the spirit and welcome positive energy. Asian beetles are also repelled by burning sage smudges.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Hair conditioner

Instructions

Burning sage

1. Gather the stems of sage plants at maturity. Use sharp garden shears to prune the wire-like stems.

2. Cut stems 8 to 12 inches long.

3. Place stems in bundles about the thickness of a banana.

4. Use cotton twine or all cotton embroidery thread to wrap tightly around and cinch the bundles. Place the bundles in a well-ventilated spot and allow to dry for six to eight weeks.

5. Place the smudge in a large ceramic bowl and ignite, allow to burn for a few minutes, then extinguish. The resulting pungent smoke can be dispersed by hand, a fan or a feather.

6. Burn sage smudges in every room of the home including attics, crawl spaces and basements. The pungent smoke from the burning sage will drive out most insect pests, including Asian or Japanese beetles.

Tips & Warnings

• White sage is an important ingredient in a highly effective bug repellent that can be made from equal parts of sage oil, tansy oil and eucalyptus oil. Mix thoroughly and rub on the skin. The scent is a little overwhelming, but bugs will keep their distance. Sage essential oil is also widely used as an insect repellent and is effective when applied to the wool of sheep or the hides of cattle to prevent an infestation of fly maggots.

References

• Natural Bug Sprays
• Distilling Sage Oil The Old Fashioned Way
• Sage Oil Benefits & Information

Resources

• White Sage