Japanese beetle invasion- need ideas

I'm sure I'm not the only one plagued by this infestation.

Once upon a time earlier this summer, I had a honeycrisp apple tree (semi-dwarf) that was so laden with fat beautiful apples that some branches were breaking.

At the end of July, Japanese beetles landed on it and began eating leaves. Then they moved to the apples. It happened so quickly that I couldn't control the invasion. These asshole beetles have taken over my honeycrisp tree, and now there are ants, flies, and beetles eating everything on it.

I started to find them on my peach tree. So far, I've been able to knock them into soapy water and kill them that way- but what can I do for next year's harvest? How do I save these trees and the fruit?

My apple tree is about 12' high by 20' wide, but it's in a little gully.
My peach tree is about 15' tall, and maybe 12' wide.

What can I do to keep these beetle bastards away, without jeopardizing the safety of the fruit?

Seven Dust spray and traps.

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Originally Posted by Ah Pook

Seven Dust spray and traps.

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Will that affect the bees or the fruit? I'm looking for something that will keep the beetles away and yet keep the fruit safe for human consumption.

Sevin, which contains carbaryl, is also toxic to bees

My neighbor grows grapes and he ended up using a concoction of hot peppers and water with just a drop or two of bleach.
He sprayed the grapes and the rotten little guys were sure unhappy with that.
Then he covered the grapes with a fine mesh netting.

https://i.imgur.com/tmEvAug.jpg

Permethrin. Unfortunately invertebrates are invertebrates & Japanese beetles cannot be selected out. Last application can be done up to 7 days before harvest if I recall correctly. It is a synthetic version of pyrethrum, or mum plant essentially. Ive not managed an entire orchard but have managed a few thousand ornamentals & 50 or so edible fruit trees over the years for various clients with good results. Ive often stepped down to a soapy solution once the main infestation has been reduced but still add a small amount of pesticide as it also serves as a repellent when not raining often.

Not a fan of the traps personally, seems they can attract larger numbers than would have occured elsewise in my experience.

Unfortunately the little bastids are here & there's not much that can be done except to mitigate damage.

If you have a pond or are near runoff channels (raparian areas) use caution.

Oh, I also recommend that you treat the soil under the infestation (larger than the drip line for trees @ minimum) late fall to kill the larve that live below, feeding on the roots over the winter.

They are SUPER bad in my garden this year too. I've never seen it this bad. They are absolutely decimating my green beans.

Spoke to a women a couple miles away from us who runs a commercial building and the little bastards are causing them major problems inside the building. Tons and tons and tons of them INSIDE everyday.

Milky Spore! Kills the grubs, so it's good for the future not this year unfortunately.

https://www.amazon.com/Milky-Spore-J...dp/B00QV42V24/


This is what we used out east where they are all over everywhere. There were even trucks that would go around spray it in neighborhoods.

The important part is to go around your neighbors yards and spread it there too.

https://insectcop.net/japanese-beetle-predators/

Thank you all for this information!