I'm dealing with a persistent problem of Japanese beetles attacking my raspberry bushes. I've tried hanging traps outside, and they do catch a lot of beetles, but I'm looking for more effective ways to reduce their presence right from the start. What can I do around my house to prevent these pests?
2 Answers
Consider planting 4 o'clocks around your garden. These plants are said to be toxic to Japanese beetles. Also, it's recommended to capture the early beetles since they serve as scouts. However, avoid using traps because they can attract more beetles to your garden from further away.
One solid method is to spray beneficial nematodes on the soil where the grubs are. These little guys will take care of the beetle larvae for you. As for the adults, I find that knocking them off into a cup of water with a few drops of dish soap really works—they drown quickly and it keeps them from causing more damage.