How Do I Keep Japanese Beetles Off My Vegetables?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Start by spraying the affected plants with

Japanese Beetle Killer (pyrethrin) or neem

at the first sign of attack. Pyrethrin-based insecticide is a safe and effective way to control these pests on vegetables, grapes, raspberries, flowers, roses, trees and shrubs.

Do Japanese beetles like vegetables?

Adult beetles will feed on just about anything if they are hungry enough, but they definitely have their favorites. Most commonly, they feed on fruits such as apple, crabapple, grapes, peach, cherry, blackberries, and raspberries and vegetables such as

asparagus

, corn (foliage and silks), beans, okra, and rhubarb.

Do Japanese beetles eat vegetables?

Most commonly, they feed on fruits such as apple, crabapple, grapes, peach, cherry, blackberries, and raspberries and vegetables such as

asparagus, corn (foliage and silks)

, beans, okra, and rhubarb. … Our hops specialist has also reported damage on hops.

Do Japanese beetles bother tomatoes?

As gb said their damage to tomato plants

is relatively minor

so trying to kill them with pesticides often only ends up killing beneficial bugs instead.

What vegetables do Japanese beetles attack?

Vegetables most at risk are

soy and maize

. Those which will usually survive the brunt of Japanese beetles include the likes of Magnolia (with its tough leaves and flowers) red oaks, pines and red maples, and of course Holly, as well as fruits with a fairly tough skin.

What smells do Japanese beetles hate?

Japanese Beetles use their antennae to pick up scents that attract them to their mates and various plants. You can repel Japanese Beetles by utilizing scents they hate, such as

wintergreen

, gaultheria oil, teaberry oil, peppermint oil, neem oil, wormwood oil, juniper berry oil, chives, and garlic.

What is the natural enemy of the Japanese beetle?

Japanese beetles are a nuisance but, fortunately, they have a lot of natural predators. Japanese beetle predators include

a variety of bird, spider, and insect species

, many of which are common in the United States.

What is a natural way to get rid of Japanese beetles?


Mix 4 tablespoons of dish soap with a quart of water inside a spray bottle

. This simple solution makes for a great, all natural Japanese Beetle pesticide. Spray on any beetles you see on or around your lawn & garden.

Do beetles eat tomato plants?

Beetles are one of those types. You may find blister beetles, Colorado potato beetles, or flea beetles on your tomato plants. These beetles

mainly eat the leaves of the tomato plant

, leaving behind small and large holes. … There are several different types of pests that can bother your tomato plants.

Are Japanese beetles active at night?

A lot of people are perplexed by having beetle damage without ever seeing Japanese Beetles on their plants. The reason is it may be a different type of beetle such as Northern Masked Chafers which predominantly feed at night the same time of year that

Japanese Beetles are active

.

What do Japanese beetles hate?

Companion planting: Incorporate plants that repel Japanese beetles such as

catnip, chives, garlic, odorless marigold

, nasturtium, white geranium, rue, or tansy near susceptible plants to help keep the beetles away.

How do you get rid of Japanese beetles permanently?

  1. Hand-Pick Beetles. Knock beetles into water with a few drops of dish detergent added. …
  2. 2. Japanese Beetle Trap. …
  3. Repel Beetles. …
  4. Make a Spray. …
  5. Apply Pesticide. …
  6. Use A Trap Crop. …
  7. Skewer Grubs. …
  8. Spray Nematodes.

Are Japanese beetles good for anything?

Mid-summer brings Japanese beetles to the garden, clustering on their favorite foods: the

leaves of raspberry, grape, and garden roses

. In the vegetable garden, the lead shoots of pole beans are another tasty target. … That’s what the beetle grubs feed on: grass and weed roots.

Will Japanese beetles ever go away?

When are they most active? Adults appear from the ground and begin feeding on plants in the early summer. The peak of their activity lasts from late June through August or September when they will begin to die off due to temperature and climate. Japanese beetles

live for up to two months during their adult life form

.

What time of day are Japanese beetles most active?

The adults most actively feed from

about 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

on warm, sunny days and will be active in the garden from approximately mid-June until mid-August. You may see some stray Japanese beetles in the garden in early September.

Where do Japanese beetles lay their eggs?

Adult Japanese beetles prefer to lay eggs in

grassy areas

, so they are much less abundant in clean- cultivated fields than in fields with grass.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.