Japanese Beetle Infestation

Photo from Benimoto's photostream

It's too late to do any prevention for this year's Japanese Beetles, but here's a suggestion for capturing some this year before they do much damage. I use it in preference to the 'pick and squish' method.

You could also try interplanting with species that are known to actively repel the adults: white mums, rue, tansy, larkspur, garlic, citronella. Down below the recipe is a prevention suggestion for next year.

Japanese Beetle Mix
This recipe is to be used in the height of the Japanese Beetle season.

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1 mashed banana
1 pkg yeast

Mix all ingredients in a milk jug. Place the jug (with the top off) in an area where Japanese Beetles gather. The bugs get in but not out. (It doesn't draw all the neighbor's Japanese Beetles the way the traps do.)

A very organic way to go after those beetles!

Prevention

Prevention is not much help for this year, but controlling grubs in the immediate area will reduce the numbers in succeeding years. Chemical controls are best applied in late summer, after the current season's eggs have hatched and the grubs have begun to feed. There are numerous products available for eliminating grubs, the one you choose must be labeled for white grubs, and the package directions must be followed exactly. Your local Cooperative Extension Service can help determine the best time to apply in your area.
 

Biological controls include beneficial nematodes and Milky Spore disease, and both of these attack only grubs, and prevent recurrence for years. See "Help! Grubs are killing my lawn!" for more info on biological controls for grubs.