Hi Mary –
To combat Japanese beetles, apply Scanmaskยฎ Beneficial Nematodes by hand as a topdressing, or add to seed furrows and around transplants. Concentrate applications to areas with signs of damage and areas in full sun. Treat drip zones of shrubs and trees. Apply in early spring or fall — one pack will treat 510 square feet.
Other organic and natural methods for getting rid of Japanese beetles include:
โข In the early morning or late evening, shake beetles from plants onto ground sheets and destroy.
โข Place pheromone traps around the perimeter of your property as adults emerge (May-July).
โข Floating row coverย (Harvest-Guardยฎ) can be used as a physical barrier to prevent adult beetlesย from damaging plants.
โข Milky Spore (Bacillus popilliae)ย is a naturally occurring host specific bacteriumย thatย attacks the destructive white grubs in turf. Apply 10 oz per 2,500 sq ft anytime of yearย when the ground is NOT frozen.
โข Surround WP (kaolin clay) forms a protective barrier film, which acts as a broad spectrum crop protectant for preventingย damage from a large number of insect pests.
โข Azatrol EC contains azadirachtin,ย the key insecticidalย ingredient found in neem oil. This concentrated sprayย is approved for organic useย andย offers multiple modes of action, making it virtually impossible for insect resistance to develop. Best of all, it’s non-toxic to honey bees and many other beneficial insects.
โข As a last resort, spot treat adults with botanical pesticides. Apply to all leaf surfacesย and deep into the plant canopy where insects hide.
Good luck!
.
