Japanese beetles are the most widespread turf and grass pests in the United States. My hot beetle spray will say a loud and strong “ Bye-bye” to any of them.

Meet the Beetles

Adult Japanese beetles eat more than 400 plant varieties. They lay eggs up to four times a year in moist turf, like freshly watered grass, and around plants, particularly trees. The eggs hatch in August and the grubs feed off plant roots, causing patches of dead grass. And,

The adults destroy flowers and leaves, leaving only a skeleton where a leaf used to be.  The period of greatest activity lasts from four to six weeks.  Grubs feed on the roots and underground stems of plants, particularly grasses.  The beetle often goes unnoticed until the plants begin to die.

The life cycle for this beetle is two years. Highest populations occur the first 2 weeks in July.

Ways to Stop Them

An environmentally conscious way to get rid of Japanese beetles is to hand-collect and destroy them. Although it sounds ineffective, the collecting does slow the damage. The presence of even one beetle can attract others, since Japanese beetles can fly anywhere from one to five miles to look for food, mates and a suitable place to lay eggs.

A Very Organic Way To Go After Beetles

This recipe is to be used in the height of the Japanese Beetle season.

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1/4 cup sugar

1 mashed banana

1 pkg yeast

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a milk jug. Place the jug (with the top off) in an area where Japanese Beetles gather. The bugs get in but not out.

Bye-Bye, Beetles Spray

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of dried cayenne peppers

1/2 cup of jalapeno peppers

1 gal. of water

Instructions:

Add the peppers to the water, bring it to boil, and let it simmer for half an hour. (Make sure you keep the pan covered or the pepper steam will make you cry a river of tears!) Let the mixture cool, then strain out the solids.

Pour the liquid into a hand-held sprayer, and spritz your infected plants from top to bottom.

Do you want to win the battle against the insects and critters in the garden the natural way?

Go to the post titled ”Hot Peppers:Pest Control”

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Yours truly for a great garden with outstanding berries, veggies, and flowers.

Polly, Organic Grower