middle TN Nancy
Chirping
- Jul 2, 2018
- 75
- 130
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I was attempting to reply to an existing thread about Japaneses beetles, but I had to register onto the site first and couldn't find my way back. So here's a new thread.
I'm new to chickens - actually just now building my first coop - and will get my birds when all is finished. I've learned SO MUCH from obsessively reading the threads on these forums. Thanks so much everyone. HOWEVER - I've been organic gardening for years! I have dealt with Japanese beetles many times.
I especially had problems with them on my grapevines, and since insecticidal soap was ineffective and I am unwilling to use pesticides which kill beneficial insects too, plus the grapevines are a food crop and I certainly don't want pesticide residue on our food, this is what I learned to do. Get up VERY early like 5:00 A.M. and fill up a bucket with hot soapy water (dishwashing soap such as Dawn or something). Spread an old sheet or tarp under the infested plant. Shake the branches of the plant so that the beetles fall onto the cloth - because it is so early and damp and relatively cool, the beetles will not fly off but will just fall straight down. Pull the sides of the cloth up high to form a big V and pour them into the soapy water. They will all drown (YAY!). Now go inside and have coffee which should be ready by now.
You may need to do this several times, but it really does work and it only takes like 10 minutes. I've read that if you squash them, it sends out a signal (chemical?) to other beetles in the area and attracts even more. But drowning is silent and effective.
I'm new to chickens - actually just now building my first coop - and will get my birds when all is finished. I've learned SO MUCH from obsessively reading the threads on these forums. Thanks so much everyone. HOWEVER - I've been organic gardening for years! I have dealt with Japanese beetles many times.
I especially had problems with them on my grapevines, and since insecticidal soap was ineffective and I am unwilling to use pesticides which kill beneficial insects too, plus the grapevines are a food crop and I certainly don't want pesticide residue on our food, this is what I learned to do. Get up VERY early like 5:00 A.M. and fill up a bucket with hot soapy water (dishwashing soap such as Dawn or something). Spread an old sheet or tarp under the infested plant. Shake the branches of the plant so that the beetles fall onto the cloth - because it is so early and damp and relatively cool, the beetles will not fly off but will just fall straight down. Pull the sides of the cloth up high to form a big V and pour them into the soapy water. They will all drown (YAY!). Now go inside and have coffee which should be ready by now.
You may need to do this several times, but it really does work and it only takes like 10 minutes. I've read that if you squash them, it sends out a signal (chemical?) to other beetles in the area and attracts even more. But drowning is silent and effective.