How to Eliminate the Red Japanese Beetle
- 1). Look through a list of plants that Japanese beetles are and aren't attracted to. For example, roses or porcelain berries attract Japanese beetles, so you eliminate them from your garden. The Old Farmer's Almanac website has a list of plants that beetles are and are not attracted to.
- 2). Spray a commercially-sold pyrethrin solution on your flowers. This spray will manage Japanese beetles in your garden, but will have a minimal effect on beetle populations in trees.
- 3). Load a spray drum with pyrethin solution if you have a more widespread Japanese beetle problem. Douse your garden in the solution and ensure that you cover the entire space. If you miss a spot, the beetles will easily come back.
- 4). Plant garlic. Garlic is a natural deterrent to Japanese beetles. Plant garlic bulbs near the base of trees and flowers where grubs incubate. You will need to address both grubs and the beetles if you want to correct your problem.
- 5). Introduce a natural predator such as nematodes. Nematodes are small parasites sold in carriers where they can be kept for up to two months. Mix the nematodes with some water and then use any insecticide spray device to release them into your soil; they will target the beetle grubs.