Marianne's Response
Organic pesticides for Japanese beetles?
What is the best organic way to get rid of Japanese beetles on raspberries and blueberries?
Posted by Cate Emery on July 24, 2014
Marianne's Response
If by the word \"organic\" you mean no pesticide sprays, then hand picking the beetles is the most effective. Use a pail of soapy water to drop the beetles into and gather them by hand in the morning when dew on their wings makes them easy to catch. You can also buy pheromone traps that lure the beetles into a plastic bag using the scent of food and sex to attract the adults. Do not use these traps any closer than 50 feet from the crop as not all beetles will make it to the traps. Botanical poisons include pyrethrum and rotenone but be aware that you must use caution even with this plant based pesticide. It helps to remember that the adults lay eggs in the soil during August (so start control now) and that fallen fruit attracts beetles (so keep the berries off the ground). The larvae hatch from eggs and live in the soil all winter before climbing onto the plants. Some gardeners report limited control using beneficial nematodes in the soil to control the larvae. Good Luck and Keep growing, Marianne Binetti
