Japanese Beetle Invasion

[squirtthecat]

They arrived today in a swarm, and went to work on some of our potted plans/ferns out back..
(I didn't know they even liked Boston ferns - but they shredded one of ours)

Time to take the fight to them!!

[KevinG]

That sucks, but I think you'd fare better by planting plastic plants.  ;D

[squirtthecat]

but I think you'd fare better by planting plastic plants.  ;D

I'm saying!!

[punchlock]

Strange.... I haven't seen those rubs in the stores I visit?

[hal4uk]

Saw 'em outside the window at work today...
DEVOURING some kinda bushes with yellow flowers...
They work in small teams (of about 100,000,000 per target)

Luckily, didn't see them at home... YET...

[3rensho]

I remember those things from when I lived in PA.  Nasty and hungry.  Good luck

[Habanero Smoker]

Oh man! That means they will soon be coming out of the ground around here. I prefer the traps, so once you get the infestation under control, you should put up some traps.

[ArnieM]

They're showing up here too.  I use an organic insecticidal soap spray on the veggies.  It says it keeps away "plant bugs".  I use it on the veggies and it can be used up to the day of harvest.

The roses are another story.  The beetles and deer are fighting over them.

[Caribou]

I don't think I have ever seen one of those.
Are they only east of the Rockies?
Carolyn

[FLBentRider]

I don't think I have ever seen one of those.

Consider yourself blessed, they're a serious problem.

[squirtthecat]

They are nasty nasty critters.  All of our ornamental trees/bushes have been treated with a 'soil drench'.   $$$ stuff that is mixed custom per plant, and injected into the ground.  It soaks up through the roots and effectively poisons the plant.   

They'll start chewing on one, then fall to the ground dead.

Obviously, this isn't a good idea for fruit bearing trees.   (we do it anyway on our plum tree and not eat the fruit)

I'll mix up some smaller batches of it (that's the Bayer stuff on the left) and treat her dozens of potted geraniums, ferns, etc.

They'll be around for 45 days and then die off.

[KyNola]

Hey Pat,
Got those buggers around here too.  To release the stress of dealing with them and their destruction, I have devloped a neat little game to play with them.  I have this fly swatter type thing except it is about the size of a racquetball racket.  You put two D batteries in it.  When you see one of the little buggers flying toward you, press the button and swat it with the  energized racquet.  They make a delightful "POP" and spark when they encounter the zapper. :D :D :D :D :D

[squirtthecat]

That's the ticket!  Electrified hanging baskets!

[Caribou]

Hey Pat,
Got those buggers around here too.  To release the stress of dealing with them and their destruction, I have devloped a neat little game to play with them.  I have this fly swatter type thing except it is about the size of a racquetball racket.  You put two D batteries in it.  When you see one of the little buggers flying toward you, press the button and swat it with the  energized racquet.  They make a delightful "POP" and spark when they encounter the zapper. :D :D :D :D :D

I have 8 strands of charged fence to protect my bees from pests.
It's different when the bugs are you pets!  :D :D :DCarolyn

[Caneyscud]

Careful of the Sevin stuff, if you or others have bees around.  It's deadly to them.  I lost a hive to a neighbor who used it.