I'm curious about everyone's go-to methods for managing Japanese beetles, especially since they seem to be particularly bad this year. At my place, they're really wreaking havoc. I'm considering removing my chokeberry shrubs because they seem to attract these pests like crazy. I've tried using neem oil before, but it didn't seem to work well on the adult beetles. I've heard about hand-picking them and dropping them into soapy water, but honestly, I don't have the time or patience for that!
2 Answers
I totally feel your pain! These beetles are relentless. I also tried neem oil, but didn’t notice much effect. Honestly, I’m so done with them ruining my sapling fruit trees. I’ve heard that traps can also attract more beetles, but I might give them a shot just to see if they help at this point.
When it comes to tackling Japanese beetles, I put on my gardening gloves and go hunting! I try to pick them off my plants and drop them into a container with a 1:1 mixture of soapy water. Just a heads up though, don't crush them if you catch them—doing that will release a scent that attracts even more beetles!