How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles on Roses

Japanese beetles are the arch enemy of most rose gardeners in the Northeastern United States, as well as an increasing number of states southward along the Mississippi. They invade rose gardens in droves and eat their way through petals and leaves. Not content to just ruin the roses, these garden pests will also consume:

• Basil
• Grapevines
• Green bean leaves
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Rhododendron
• Wisteria

In fact, there are about 500 common garden plants that they will eat in a pinch. 50 species of plants are considered five star fare by these destructive little critters.

Identifying and waging war against the wily beetle is easiest done when it is at the adult stage. At this time it can be easily seen and identified. The most effective way to control Japanese beetles in the adult stage is to hand pick them off the plants and drop them into an open can of gasoline, kerosene, or even soapy water. Although it is tedious it does the job and gives the rose gardener a feeling of satisfaction and revenge. If you don’t have time to do the job yourself hire one of your children and pay them per beetle. This writer made regular ice cream money during childhood ridding the neighborhood of the fierce beetles at home as well as in the neighbors' yards.

Once a Japanese beetle settles into your garden it can draw friends and relatives to the area. Japanese beetles will travel five miles to find a place to settle in and raise a family. Some nurseries sell pheromone traps for the beetles but this can make your infestation worse by drawing more beetles. Think of the pheromone traps as a raunchy singles bar for Japanese beetles.

Pesticides are not a good idea. They can impact the environment in a negative way; killing birds and beneficial predatory insects. There is a natural control method for Japanese beetles that works by killing the beetle in its grub stage.

Milky Spore Disease

Milky Spore disease works when it is ingested by the grub. The bacteria multiply in the grub’s body and kill it. As the dead grub decays the bacteria are released back into the soil and the cycle begins again. This is not a quick fix but the Milky Spore disease consists of a living organism and it will continue the cycle of killing Japanese Beetles for ten years or more.

Best of all it won’t hurt birds or other wildlife, is safe for the environment, and won’t harm children or pets. You should be able to find it in your garden center or on the Internet.

To use Milky Spore disease you will spread the powder around your roses and over your property in August, when the beetle larvae are active and developing. Reapply the powder in the spring. This will not be a quick fix; continue picking the adult beetles off your plants as you find them. You will notice fewer Japanese Beetles each year as you are consistent with the powder.

The first record of Japanese beetles in the United States is in 1916. By the 1940s they had migrated as far south as Kentucky. Because they have no natural predators in the U.S. they are thriving and continuing to move into more states.

It isn’t hard to tell whether or not you have an infestation of these voracious pests. The chewed leaves and petals on your roses is a sure sign, and the beetles themselves are easy to see. You may also find “C” shaped patches in your lawn. These are an indication that you have the grubs developing underground, preparing to take over your garden as soon as warm weather hits.

In order to battle this garden pest it is helpful for the gardener to understand the four stages of the Japanese beetle’s life cycle. This cycle will last for about one year.

Egg

In the final, hot day of July the adult beetle will mate and lay its eggs at the base of your plants. It will leave up to five eggs at each plant, laying a total of about 50 eggs.

Larva

Within two weeks or so the eggs will hatch into larva. This is the grub stage of the beetle’s life and will take place completely underground. The grubs will survive the winter under your yard and when spring comes will begin to eat the roots of your grass and plants. This is when you will see the “C” shaped brown spots occurring in your lawn.

Pupa

In the late spring the grubs will enter the pupa stage. They will be dormant and do not pose a threat to you garden at this time. Watch out! They are just getting ready to attack.

Adult

After two weeks in the pupa stage the adult Japanese beetle emerges and begins the cycle over again.

Keep at It and You Can Rid Your Garden of the Japanese Beetle

Controlling a Japanese beetle infestation can’t be done quickly. You must plan on being on your guard from year to year and using the methods above to control the beetle and both the larva and the adult stages. As time goes on you will find that you have less of a problem each season.

Japanese beetles are garden pests that can be controlled with patience and consistency. Your roses will thank you.

Different Types of Roses for Your Garden

Natural Pest Control for Your Organic Garden