Sasha CampbellJapanese beetles may look shiny and harmless. However, they can quickly become one of the most destructive pests in your garden.
These pests feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruit of various plants [1].
While chemical insecticides can offer quick results, many gardeners prefer natural alternatives.
Luckily, a few homemade traps and tricks can help reduce their populations. These DIY methods are also easy to try.
This article will walk you through the best homemade Japanese beetle traps. We’ll also explore a few additional natural remedies to help you get rid of these persistent pests.
1. The Bucket Trap
One of the easiest ways to catch Japanese beetles is to use a 5-gallon bucket trap. All you need is a half-bucket of water and some liquid dish soap. Stir it up a bit.
Next, position the bucket of soapy water under a branch or plant where you’ve spotted beetles gathering.
Japanese beetles have an odd defense mechanism. They will drop when disturbed; they won’t fly away.
Take advantage of this by giving the branch a good shake. The beetles will fall straight into the soapy water and meet their end.
Soapy water kills them quickly by suffocating them.
2. Trap Crops
Trap crops are sacrificial plants that are specifically grown to attract pests away from your main crops.
For Japanese beetles, this technique can be highly effective. They are especially fond of certain plants, such as roses, raspberries, marigolds, hollyhocks, and corn silk.
Plant these plants on the outer edges of your garden or in a separate area. They will lure the beetles away from your vegetables and flowers.
Once they gather on the trap crops, you can more easily target them with a natural insecticide or hand-pick them off.
3. Food-Bait Trap
A more advanced yet simple homemade trap utilizes fruity scents to lure beetles to their demise.
You’ll need a bucket of water and one cup of fruit, such as raspberries or grapes. You’ll also need a cup of apple cider vinegar.
Throw everything into the bucket of water. The fruity scent attracts the beetles, and they’ll fall in and drown.
However, be mindful not to place this trap too close to your garden. The bait may draw other insects into the area.
4. Drop Cloth
Another organic way to control beetle populations is by using drop cloths.
Japanese beetles are sluggish in the early morning. Therefore, take advantage of this by placing a piece of cloth on the ground under your plants.
Next, shake the branches gently to dislodge the bugs. Finally, carefully remove the cloth and shake it out into a container of soapy water.
This method allows you to catch large numbers of beetles at once. The drop cloth is also reusable and easy to set up.
5. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is deadly to many insects, including Japanese beetles. The sharp, microscopic edges cut through their exoskeletons, dehydrating and killing them.
So, you can use it as a trap, as they will not know what they are crawling into until it’s too late.
Lightly sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth on the leaves and around the affected plants in the soil. However, you will have to reapply it after it rains. Moisture reduces its effectiveness.
This method is most effective in dry weather conditions. It can also help kill beetles that are feeding, mating, or hiding in the soil.
Other Natural Remedies to Repel Japanese Beetles
In addition to traps, you can also use natural deterrents to make your garden less attractive to Japanese beetles.
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural oil that can deter Japanese beetles [2]. It can also kill other insects that you do not want on your plants.
You can buy a neem oil-based product.
You can also create a DIY spray solution. Just mix two tablespoons of neem oil with a gallon of water. Add a tablespoon of liquid soap as well.
Spray your neem oil solution directly onto the affected plants.
Garlic or Pepper Spray
Beetles dislike strong smells, such as those of garlic or spicy peppers.
Therefore, making a homemade Japanese beetle spray made from crushed garlic cloves or hot pepper can help deter them. Spray it on your plants.
Row Covers
You can also use lightweight garden fabric to cover your plants. This will physically block beetles from accessing plants.
However, be sure to remove the covers during flowering if you rely on pollinators for successful fruit production.
Beneficial Nematodes
Applying beneficial nematodes to your soil can also reduce beetle larvae, known as grubs, before they emerge as adults. These organisms feed on the larvae, keeping their numbers down.
Milky Spore
Another long-term solution is that milky spore disease infects Japanese beetle grubs in the soil. However, this remedy does not harm beneficial insects.
Conclusion
Japanese beetles might be persistent. However, with a bit of creativity and effort, you can cut down their numbers using homemade traps and natural solutions.
You can use simple methods, such as a bucket of soapy water or trap crops, to manage these pests. These methods are eco-friendly and serve as good alternatives to chemical pesticides.
To get the best results, combine these techniques. Then, keep an eye on your garden during peak beetle season.
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