Japanese Beetles

There is a serious infestation of Japanese beetles at both gardens. They could hibernate in your plot if you do not take remedial action. Holes in the leaves are a good sign that you have visitors.

Do not squish Japanese beetles as crushing as this will draw more beetles to your plot. Instead, fill a container with water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap, hold it under the leaves and tap the branches; the beetles will easily drop in and drown. Do not submerge beneficial insects such as ladybugs which eat aphids. Do this daily, and remove damaged plant tissue immediately.

Plants that deter Japanese beetles: alliums (garlic, chives, onions), strong aromatic herbs such as thyme and basil, and flowers such as white geraniums, begonias, and marigolds.

Please email the board if you witness an outbreak in someone’s plot so we may assist them in a timely manner.