This summer season, learn to make Japanese beetle spray to keep your garden and plants safe from this dangerous pest. This HomeQuicks article teaches you how to tackle this little terrorist.
What’s green and buzzes all over? The answer to this question is not as amusing as you think. The answer is Japanese beetle, also known as Popilla Japonica. These beetles invade homes and gardens in the months of May, June, or July. They eat up your garden plants, and create a mess wherever they go. Did you know that an adult of this species eats up to 400 plants in a year? This is quite a situation, and hence, this article will teach you how to avoid it.
First discovered in New Jersey in 1916, these pests have spread to most northwestern states of the US. America’s climate seems to be favorable for them. Stories say that they probably arrived through some plants that were imported from Japan. Once these plants were planted in the US soil, these beetles quickly gained advantage, and spread all around. Their life span is around 1 year, and the females lay more than 200 eggs in that much time. They love feeding on roses, birch trees, dogwoods, and cheery trees.
How to Make a Japanese Beetle Spray
If you are having nightmares about finding everything in your garden eaten up by Japanese beetles, try this effective homemade spray which is safe for plants.
- In a gallon container, pour ½ cup calcium hydroxide powder, and add 1 tsp alum to it.
- Add 1 cup water, and mix it thoroughly.
- Pour this mixture into a garden sprayer, and spray on affected trees and shrubs.
- Make sure you always use calcium hydroxide powder for effective control. Wear protective gear while spraying this mixture, and follow the instructions on the label of chemicals.
Organic Sprays for Japanese Beetles
These green insects can be controlled with many insecticides, cultural practices, and various recipes of natural sprays.
- First of all, it is necessary to wash the infected plants with water, to wash the beetles off.
- Then, in a jar, add 3 tbsp of dish washing liquid to one gallon of water.
- Mix well, and pour it in a sprayer.
- Spray this mixture generously on the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.
Traps for Japanese Beetles
There are different methods to trap these beetles.
- Place a yellow pan with soapy water. Japanese beetles get attracted to their favorite color, and they would suffocate in the soapy water.
- One may also use food aroma or female pheromones to attract the males.
- Place these traps away from your plants and trees.
- However, keep an eye on these traps, because they sometimes collect more beetles than they can kill.
- Stand near these traps with a bucket full of soap water.
- Empty it on to them as they gather around the traps.
Let’s hope these Japanese beetle sprays and traps work well enough for you. Always wear a face mask and gloves before handling the chemical sprays.
