How do I get rid of Japanese Beetles on my rose bushes?
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Aus,
You have two options available. One is a low toxic spray and the other is an Organic. Frankly, since you posted the question the problem is obvious and requires the former.
The lowest toxicity and safest chemical to use is a liquid compound called Sevin (trade mark). Combine this with Pure Ivory Soap Dish Detergent at 1tsp per gallon in a hose end sprayer. Use the Sevin at the Manuf Rec. Rate. Spray the plantings from top to bottom, including spraying under the leaves, and three foot away from the base of the shrub.
The Sevin is a "safe" compound found in most dog and cat flea collars. Once dry the chemical has little evidence after two-four hours. The Ivory will act as a sticking agent and further the action of the chemical. The Soap will suffocate the feeding insects and the chemical both kill existing but kill feeding insects. Make sure you spray the open flowers and buds!
Three or four days later hand prune the bush to remove the damage done by the insect. Remove the dead branches, the dead buds, and any wilted leaves. Prune the bushes to a level of six inches from the ground. Remove everything from the ground to that level (they come from the ground).
For the next six weeks keep an eye on the plant. After the first application try application of an acidic fert in liquid form. Mir-Gro or other such is fine (follow minimum recs.). You should also add some Bone Meal to the soil bed. This helps the plants and the beetles hate it. If you can afford it you should also apply a 2 inch layer of Shreeded Cypress Mulch throughout the bed. It is expensive in bags, however, it works wonders!
After six weeks do whatever pruning you have to do and gently, by hand, stir the mulch. At this point you can apply a Safer or Bayer Insect Spray, Pure Ivory Soap Dish Detergent at 1tbls per gallon, or the Sevin with 1tsp. per gallon. I suggest the Sevin with Ivory again applied to the plant and soil as the insect will now be controlled on the plant and in the soil.
While Sevin is fine there is a more hard solution to your problem. The Sevin combats many soil and plant insects in a "safe" way when used properly. To rid yourself of the beetles, on the plants only, use a Malathion spray. This is a stinky but totally effective spray. Spray the entire plant and buds, per manu recs. Do Not Spray on the ground. You use about a 1/4tsp of Ivory soap to make this compound stick, however, I tell you it does smell bad, however, it works wonders.
Whichever way you go make sure to feed the plants and water after each application. Do not water the plant directly or on the leaves. Soak the plant some foot or more from the edge of the plant to promote root growth. 1" of water (rainfall included) is needed. Do it in a single or two days versus a sprinkle each day.
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spray it with a mild solution of fairy liquid and water
A sprinkling of Sevin dust will kill them instantly.
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