Author Topic: To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles  (Read 1852 times)

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Offline Dianna

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To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles
« on: Jun 07, 2009, 09:31:58 PM »
Jim and I have been working outside today and we got to talking about the beetles that have started showing up. I mentioned that I thought that putting a beetle trap out was just inviting all, that was within a mile at least, to visit.  He said that he didn't think so...

What say you, gardening buddies? Would you put traps out for these dinosaur looking critters or swat them with a fly swatter and dust the trees with Sevin?

Just curious...
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Offline landofoz

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Re: To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles
« Reply #1 on: Jun 08, 2009, 12:47:34 AM »
I don't know anything about beetle traps but I know that I personally wouldn't use sevin.  Then again, I am trying to do everything as chemical-free as possible.  I would recommend planting a sacrificial crop, like yellow yarrow, nearby, so the beetles go for that over your trees or whatever they are on.  And if you have the free time, or pent up aggression, you can always go out to the yarrow and pluck off the bugs and squish 'em!  (or drop in small bucket of soapy water)

Offline duh

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Re: To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles
« Reply #2 on: Jun 08, 2009, 05:51:02 AM »
Sevin worked great for me last year and I plan to use it again.  Everything I've heard about the traps is that they use a phermon that draws all of the bugs from the surrounding area.  I suppose if you use it for enough years in a row it might decimate the local population.

Offline Jim

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Re: To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles
« Reply #3 on: Jun 08, 2009, 10:04:45 AM »
I do use Sevin dust on the garden.  My Dad used it and his Dad used it, etc. so I don't think there is a problem.  I would not attempt to use it on the trees though because it's just not practical for that.

I googled and it appears that the most popular traps do actually draw the beetles in.  Here is a good site with some interesting information on the Spectracide traps.  I especially liked the old gardeners joke:

Quote
The easiest way to rid your yard of Japanese Beetles is to give a beetle trap as a gift to a neighbor 100 yards away!

http://household-tips.thefuntimesguide.com/2005/07/bagabugbeetles.php

Hmmmm we could get one for Virginia (neighbor on one side) and one for Barb and Jim (neighbor on the other side) and that should do it!  :rofl1:  :wink5:
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Offline bestofour

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Re: To Trap Or Not To Trap...Japanese Beetles
« Reply #4 on: Jun 09, 2009, 08:50:18 AM »
Jim, that's a great idea.   Sneak over and put traps in our neighbors yard  :idea: :Glee: :Glee: :Glee:  I think I'm gonna do that.

We tried traps several years ago and we did have more beetles than ever.  Most ended up in the traps but not until they had destroyed everything in their paths.  I have also tried picking them off but the more you pick the more there are.  I use sevin now too.  I hate to do it but it's that or  be devoured.


Seriously though, wonder if we put traps around the perimeter of our land if that would keep them out of the yard or just draw them too it.

 

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