Sasha CampbellJapanese beetles are among the pests that attack and feed on plants. Damage can be extensive because Japanese beetles often feed in groups, consuming flowers, fruits, and leaves from hundreds of plant species.
Adult Japanese beetles are most active from late June through August [1]. During this time, they feed on plant foliage and fruits, while their grubs mainly attack grass roots. Therefore, early control is important to prevent significant damage.
How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles Naturally
Below, we have gathered some of the best home remedies and organic control methods to help keep these destructive plant pests at bay.
1. Pick Them Off
Hand-picking Japanese beetles is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage small infestations. This method allows for immediate action and reduces damage to plants.
Pick them off early in the morning when they are sluggish and drop them into a container of soapy water.
2. Neem Oil
Neem oil, extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, is a common organic pesticide used by organic farmers worldwide.
To use neem oil against Japanese beetles, mix 2 tablespoons of neem oil with 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water.
Shake well, then spray your plants. This homemade solution can help deter feeding and may reduce Japanese beetle populations over time.
Reapply after heavy rain, and follow the product label for best results.
Neem products containing azadirachtin can also help suppress grub development. Use it to keep Japanese beetles off your roses, hibiscus, grapevines, and vegetable plants.
3. Row Covers
Row covers help prevent insect pests from gaining access to your crops.
Follow the installation manual to fix row covers over crops using plastic hoops or wooden frames for support. Secure the edges to keep the beetles off your plants.
4. Beneficial Nematodes
Steinernema glaseri and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora are beneficial parasitic nematodes that attack Japanese beetle grubs [2]. They get into the grubs’ bodies and kill them within a day or two.
Disperse these nematodes into the soil using a watering can. The best time to apply them is early morning or evening when the sun is down.
Also, moist conditions provide a conducive environment for beneficial nematodes to thrive. So, sprinkle enough water in the garden before and after the application.
5. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth is a top natural solution for killing Japanese beetles. It penetrates their protective shell, leading to dehydration. As a result, the beetles die from this effect.
To use it, sprinkle it on your plants and the garden soil around them. You can also use food-grade DE inside the house, sprinkled directly on the beetles when they are visible.
You can also mix DE with water and spray it onto plants. However, it only becomes effective again after the water dries, leaving a powdery residue.
6. Soap and Water
Spraying your plants and lawn with soapy water is an excellent way to get rid of Japanese beetles organically. You only need 4 to 5 tablespoons of organic liquid soap and 1 gallon of water.
Spray the beetles directly with the soapy water, or pick them off and drop them into a bucket of the solution. Soapy water quickly kills Japanese beetles after they are submerged in the solution.
7. Repellent Plants
The strong scent of certain plants can help keep pests, including these, away from your garden.
Some gardeners report that marigolds, nasturtiums, chives, tansy, catnip, and rue help discourage Japanese beetles. However, results may vary depending on local conditions.
Consider growing these plants in or around your garden.
8. Chickens and Birds
Chickens and some birds are good predators of Japanese beetles and their grubs. To attract these natural predators to your garden and yard, provide them with food and water.
9. Vacuum Them
Every day, dedicate some time to vacuuming beetles from plants whenever you spot them. Afterward, put the vacuum’s contents in a container full of soapy water to kill the critters.
10. Cedar Oil
Some gardeners use cedar oil as a natural insect repellent. However, research on its effectiveness against Japanese beetles is limited.
To give it a try, combine 4 tablespoons of cedar oil with 1 gallon of water, then spray it on your plants. This homemade spray may also work against June bugs.
11. Geraniums
Japanese beetles are attracted to geraniums and will eat the blossoms. However, research has shown that Japanese beetles may become temporarily paralyzed after feeding on certain geranium species [3].
In that state, they are left vulnerable to predators. You can also pick them off and drop them in soapy water to kill them.
12. Kaolin Clay
Kaolin clay helps deter beetles from eating leaves by creating a barrier. Our recommended brand is Surround WP.
You can make a natural spray for Japanese beetles using kaolin clay. Mix 3 cups of kaolin clay with a gallon of water and a teaspoon of liquid soap.
Use the solution to spray your plants.
13. Milky Spore
Release milky spore into your lawn according to the package instructions.
Milky spore targets Japanese beetle grubs and can help reduce populations over time. However, it may take several years to become fully established in the soil.
14. Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin insecticides are effective in killing Japanese beetles and other insects.
Once they are used on pests, they provide a quick knockdown. However, avoid using them when beneficial insects and pollinators are around.
15. Beauveria bassiana
Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus that leads to white muscardine disease in many insects [4].
Once the beetles come into contact with the fungus, they become infected. You’ll notice a white coating on them. They’ll eventually die within one to two weeks.
16. DIY Trap
You can make a homemade Japanese beetle trap by adding one cup of apple cider vinegar and one cup of crushed raspberries or grapes to a bucket of water.
The fruity scent will lure the beetles, and they will fall in and die.
However, if using traps, place them well away from susceptible plants. Traps can attract additional beetles into the area.
17. Avoid Watering the Grass
One of the most effective home remedies for Japanese beetle control is to avoid excessive watering when the beetles are active. The pests are most active from late June through August or September.
Avoid excessive irrigation during peak egg-laying periods. Moist soil is more attractive to egg-laying females.
18. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Certain strains of Bacillus thuringiensis, such as Bt galleriae, may help control Japanese beetles [5]. Always check the product label to ensure it is intended for Japanese beetle control.
Susceptible beetles and larvae stop feeding after consuming the bacteria and eventually die.
19. Drop Cloth
A drop cloth is handy, especially in the early morning when the beetles are sluggish.
Spread the cloth around the affected plants in the garden. Next, shake the plants to dislodge the beetles.
Finally, drop the beetles in a container with soap and water.
20. Garlic Spray
Spraying garlic water directly onto the affected plants is an effective way to deter beetles.
To make a homemade Japanese beetle spray with garlic, purée 5 cloves in 1 cup of water. Next, add a teaspoon of liquid soap to the solution. Finally, strain and spray your plants.
Use the measurement as a guide for larger concoctions. The beetles will likely stay away once you apply garlic spray to your plants.
21. Parasitic Wasps
Attracting parasitic wasps to your garden can be an effective way of controlling Japanese beetle larvae. The spring Tiphia wasp attacks these grubs.
See also: How to Control Black Beetles Naturally.
Takeaway
Adult Japanese beetles attack more than 300 plant species [6]. These include grapes, roses, hibiscus, dahlias, petunias, zinnias, apple trees, basil, birch, berries, shrubs, and corn.
Therefore, be on the lookout and take action before an infestation begins.
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