Managing Japanese Beetles: Protect Your Plants 🌿
Japanese beetles can skeletonize leaves and destroy flowers and fruit. Here’s how to manage these invasive pests.
1. Hand Picking: Pick Japanese beetles off plants early in the morning when they are less active.
2. Row Covers: Use row covers to protect plants from adult beetles during peak activity.
3. Neem Oil: Apply neem oil to repel and deter Japanese beetles from feeding.
4. Natural Predators: Introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps or predatory beetles.
5. Trap Crops: Plant trap crops like evening primrose or Virginia creeper to lure Japanese beetles away from valuable plants.
Tips:
- Shake plants gently in the morning to dislodge beetles into a bucket of soapy water.
- Avoid planting susceptible plants like roses and grapes in areas prone to Japanese beetle infestations.
- Clean up garden debris and fallen fruit to reduce overwintering sites for beetles.
