Monday, August 5, 2013

Zinnias and the battle of the Japanese Beetles

So far the Zinnias are winning the battle of the beetles. 

I go out each day  to the garden and knock the Japanese Beetles into a bowl of water with dish soap in it. They usually fall as their protection, so it works fairly well just holding a bowl under the leaves and help guide the  little creatures into their water and soap bath. I then leave the bowl out in the garden to ward off other beetles. It seems to work quite well. Crunching the little guys in between my finger tips has become a regular practice too. Although this tends to make most a bit squeamish, my hard heart towards these little imps wins out. Grandpa T. (he was about 80 years old then)  taught me this on potato plants and potato bugs  when I was a teenager. Applying the same techniques with the beetles seems to work very well. 

One year, I got on the band wagon of the traps. They worked exceptionally well for calling in ALL the Japanese Beetles from miles around.  

I do not use them now!

These pests can be very destructive. Don't ignore them. Counter attack! Pay the 8 year old down the street to go out and get 'em. Give the brave kid a nickel for each one squished or in the water bath. Your garden will thank you. 

5 comments:

Sue said...

Good post! My rosebush is covered with them, but I'm trying the soapy water. Any particular kind of soap?

Dori said...

Dislike the bugs, LOVE the zinnias! Those are dazzling, Teem!

Lesley Austin said...

I am just finding your blog, Teemie. Your photographs and honest words are refreshing and lovely. I will be following you here from now on.

May your August continue to be beautiful and productive.

xo

Lesley

Teemie said...

Welcome Lesley! Hi Dori! and Sue the best soap is Dawn dish soap. My brother, Jim also uses it to shower each night to kill ticks as he lives down south and works outside.

lisa evola said...

lol....yep I got the traps one year and discovered that as well! My neighbor puts them out every year....that's how they first started showing up at my house....oi!!

btw...Friday is awesome....11:00. I'll let Laurie know....see you then!