Japanese beetles, was RE: [MR] Old English Roses

[Bary Sears]

The only problem I have with traps is that they tend to attract the beetles.
If I use them, I put them on the boundaries of my yard, and try to get them
as they come in.

barre

-----Original Message-----
From: atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:atlantia-bounces at atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Janie
Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 10:58 AM
To: Atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: Japanses beetles, was RE: [MR] Old English Roses

Two methods of erridacation:

Beetle traps:  bait and bag which you hang in you yard, near an outside
light can be a good choice. Available at garden centers everywhere, I have
usually seen yellow trap parts with a green bag.  Only works on adult
beetles.  You must change the bag occasionally.

Milky Spore:  a bacteria which eats ONLY Japanese beetle grubs.  Treat your
yard and it (reportedly) lasts for 20 years, but as you might imagine, the
canister of powder seems expensive at first blush.  One day spent applying
the powder is all you have to do for 20 years.  Treat the edges of your
property and it will spread to your neighbors' yards.  The spore kills the
grub and feasts on its remains.  The spore then multiplies and waits for the
next unsuspecting grub to happen by.  Since it only works on "baby beetles",
Milky Spore can't do anything about the adult beetles that fly into your
yard to eat your roses.

My suggestion, do all methods.  Put traps near your roses.  Educate your
neighbors about Milky Spore and encourage them to use it.  (Around 5 years
ago, I treated our yard.  When we dig, move firewood, etc., we seldom find
grubs.)  Pluck and spray as needed.  BTW, disposable chopsticks are great
for picking up critters you would rather not touch.

No, I do not sell either of these products.  I just feel strongly about
removing a non-native species which is wrecking havoc with our lawns and
gardens.  I used to grow tomatoes, do lawn work, and play SCA, but now I
have three kids and I find myself a little busy...  The youngest goes to
pre-shcool in September:  the light at the end of the tunnel!!!

Gwendolyn
(Janie)

-----Original Message-----
 On Behalf Of SNSpies at aol.com
Subject: Re: [MR] Old English Roses
>For  those interested, my local COSTCO (and, I assume, others) are  selling
Jackson and Perkins old English roses.  The package indicates  they have 70
petals, and certainly look like the 'cabbage roses' of  old.  Couldn't find
out what stock they are using.  On the other  hand, J&P are doing something
to their stock - the two varieties I saw  were colored apricot and yellow.
I don't believe the colors are  period.
>These old English roses are gorgeous, but the Japanese beetles absolutely
love them.  So be prepared to pluck and sprary like crazy!


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