Sasha CampbellJapanese beetles are among the pests that attack and feed on plants. Damage can be extensive as they usually eat in groups, feeding on various plants’ flowers, fruits, and leaves.
Adult Japanese beetles are most active from late June through August [1]. During this time, they feed on the foliage and fruits of plants, while their grubs mainly attack the roots of grasses. Therefore, you must get rid of them quickly.
Below, we have gathered some of the best home remedies and organic control methods to keep away these destructive plant pests.
Here’s how to get rid of Japanese beetles naturally:
1. Pick Them Off
Row covers help prevent insect pests from gaining access to your crops. So, pick them off and throw them into a container with soap and water to suffocate and die.
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 for Japanese beetles, combine two tablespoons of neem oil and a teaspoon of liquid soap with a gallon of water.
Shake well and use it to spray your plants. This homemade solution will kill the beetles and their larvae.
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.
Following the installation manual, 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 nematodes are natural predators of 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 cuts through their protective shell, which leads 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.
Alternatively, you can make a DIY Japanese beetle spray by combining one part DE with four parts water. Add the solution to a spray bottle to spray the pests. Once it dries, it will kill them.
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 four to five tablespoons of organic liquid soap and a 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 will suffocate and kill the beetles instantly. This home remedy also works on the larvae.
7. Repellent Plants
The strong scent of certain plants can help keep these and other pests away from your garden.
Marigolds, nasturtium, chives, tansy, catnip, and rue repel Japanese beetles. 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
Cedar oil is an excellent natural Japanese beetle repellent. Its long-lasting smell helps keep these pests away.
Combine four tablespoons of cedar oil with a gallon of water and spray it on your plants. This homemade spray also works well against June bugs.
11. Geraniums
Japanese beetles are attracted to geraniums and will eat the blossoms. However, after eating them, they will become temporarily paralyzed.
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.
Therefore, 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.
It will kill Japanese beetles’ grubs, not eliminate them, but it will keep their numbers down.
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 [3].
Once the beetles come into contact with the fungi, 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.
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.
Don’t water the grass during this time. Wet, grassy areas are ideal for females to lay eggs.
18. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
Another fantastic organic treatment for Japanese beetle grubs is Bacillus thuringiensis.
It is toxic to grubs. After consuming it, the pests will 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
Garlic water sprayed directly on the affected plants is great for preventing the beetles from coming around.
To make a homemade Japanese beetle spray using garlic, purée five cloves in a 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
Japanese beetles mainly attack 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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