Have you been scouting your plants for insect and disease pests? Japanese beetles are currently feeding on desirable landscape and food crops across the state. Highly vulnerable plants include roses, grapes, crepe myrtle, crabapple linden and hibiscus.

Gardeners might begin to control the beetles by physically removing the those feeding on desirable plants. Scout in early morning or late afternoon and drop them directly into a bucket of soapy water to drown the pests.

The next level of control includes application of natural botanical deterrents to the foliage of infested desirable plants. Products containing neem oil or pyrethrins may be applied as labeled while beetles are actively feeding. Application of some pesticides may be limited due to daily temperatures above specific temperature thresholds.\

Select the link below for more information:

https://entomology.mgcafe.uky.edu/ef451

Don’t use Japanese beetle pheromone traps near desirable landscape plants or food crops. The traps attract the beetles into your landscape and garden spaces