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Are Japanese beetles typically a problem with certain ornamental plants here in the Triangle? I have a few rose bushes that were thriving before I went on vacation two weeks ago, but when I got back into town they were all but infested with Japanese Beetles. I noticed as I was walking through Bedford yesterday that many residents have “beetle bags” hanging in their yards. I always thought they just attracted more beetles. I have since sprayed my roses with some beetle killer, but I am afraid it may already be too late for them. Anybody have tips for fending them off?
Last edited by North_Raleigh_Guy; 06-16-2007 at 11:40 AM..
Reason: spelling
It seems that some years are worse than others, but, yes, we got Japanese beetles.
I tried the bags but that does seem to attract them. If you place them further from your plants, that does seem to work.
Last year, hubby got some type of powder from Home Depot, which seemed to keep them away. I wasn't too thrilled with that powderly look on the plant and the rain does wash it away but you can regulate the amount, yourself.
Are Japanese beetles typically a problem with certain ornamental plants here in the Triangle? I have a few rose bushes that were thriving before I went on vacation two weeks ago, but when I got back into town they were all but infested with Japanese Beetles. I noticed as I was walking through Bedford yesterday that many residents have “beetle bags” hanging in their yards. I always thought they just attracted more beetles. I have since sprayed my roses with some beetle killer, but I am afraid it may already be too late for them. Anybody have tips for fending them off?
Seven dust but you've got to be really careful r/t honey bees. That's why many of my friends use the beetle bags.
I've heard that planting Rue next to rose bushes helps ward off Japanese Beetles. Alternatively, you could try planting something nearby that the beetles like even more. Maybe they'd stuff themselves on the other plant and go on their merry way. YMMV.
My knock out roses were wonderful until last week. Then the attack of the JB came on big time. Ran to lowes and bought some stuff you hook up to your hose and sprayed down the entire yard. It did nothing. My landscaper told be to buy the Sevin powder. I just got done putting it on. The beetles did not "scatter" as I thought they would. I am waiting to see if this will help. WHy do you need to be careful with sevin powder and bees? Does it attract bees?
My knock out roses were wonderful until last week. Then the attack of the JB came on big time. Ran to lowes and bought some stuff you hook up to your hose and sprayed down the entire yard. It did nothing. My landscaper told be to buy the Sevin powder. I just got done putting it on. The beetles did not "scatter" as I thought they would. I am waiting to see if this will help. WHy do you need to be careful with sevin powder and bees? Does it attract bees?
It kills them. There is a real problem with this. No bees...makes mother nature not a happy camper.
Beneficial nematodes are a great solution for japanese beetles. Since these critters have an in-ground stage, beneficial nematodes can be sprayed on the yard (make sure if you purchase that you get a kind that is most effective against this particular critter...though they'll also help control many other critters that have an in-ground stage, including fleas, grubs, etc.). You can continue to build-up the population in the ground, and they are harmless to pets, kids, you, etc. Any garden center that carries organic products should have them, or you can find them online -- but make sure you read about shipping policies if you buy online; they don't like extreme heat, so reputable dealers usually ship them w/ ice packs & 1 or 2 day delivery.
Last year the beetles devoured my folks Crepe Myrtles despite having a bag. This year he placed it further away from the trees and it seems to be really helping. He also sprayed some type of poision on the trees as well.
I've seen a few this week, mostly eating the heck out of my prized Oak Leaf Hydrangea.
I usually just pick them off and toss them over the fence into my neighbor's rose garden :-).
(just kidding)
I've never really found anything 100% effective against them. Sevin seems to work pretty well and bug bags seem to keep them off the plants but attract more into the yard.
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I noticed as I was walking through Bedford yesterday that many residents have “beetle bags” hanging in their yards. I always thought they just attracted more beetles. I have since sprayed my roses with some beetle killer, but I am afraid it may already be too late for them. Anybody have tips for fending them off?
