Identifying and Controlling Spider Mites Organically: A Guide
June 6, 2017: Controlling Japanese Beetles Naturally
In the ongoing battle against Japanese beetles, Jessica Dawe explores a range of eco-friendly solutions in her latest article. Among the products featured are the Milky Spore Powder Japanese Beetle Control, Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer, Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose, and Premium Polyurethane Soaker Hose.
Milky Spore Powder is a natural, environmentally friendly biological control product containing the bacteria Bacillus popilliae. It is used specifically to control Japanese beetle grubs by infecting and eventually killing them in the soil. The spores reproduce in the soil and can provide grub control for up to 10 years once fully established, typically reaching peak effectiveness within about 3 years after application[1].
In terms of application, it is applied as a granular powder in spoonful-sized deposits spaced 3 to 4 feet apart, covering up to 2,500 square feet per 10-ounce package[1]. Because it targets the larvae stage in the soil, it does not affect adult beetles.
Regarding effectiveness, Milky Spore is selective—working only on Japanese beetle grubs—and is considered safe for people, pets, beneficial insects, and the environment[1][5]. However, its effectiveness can be inconsistent depending on climate. For example, in colder regions, the bacteria may not survive the winter or establish well, limiting long-term control[3]. Studies from universities such as Connecticut, Vermont, and Cornell suggest that Milky Spore works more as a population suppressant rather than a strong, direct grub killer and may require neighborhood-wide efforts to be most effective[3].
In some climates like Colorado, Milky Spore is less reliable, with faster, more consistent grub control achieved by other products[4]. Additionally, alternative biological controls like beetleGONE! offer broader and more immediate protection against multiple grub stages and beetle adults, with fewer temperature constraints[3].
On the other hand, Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer is an organic fertilizer that can also help manage Japanese beetle populations by inhibiting their egg-laying[2]. As an added benefit, it provides nutrients to your garden.
The article also highlights the Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose and the Premium Polyurethane Soaker Hose. These hoses ensure that water is delivered efficiently and evenly to your garden, promoting healthy plant growth while minimising water waste[6].
In conclusion, these products offer natural, cost-effective solutions for controlling Japanese beetles and maintaining a healthy garden. While the efficacy of Milky Spore Powder may vary by region, it presents a long-term preventive treatment targeting Japanese beetle larvae in the soil. Corn Gluten Organic Fertilizer offers an additional organic solution to manage Japanese beetle populations. The Premium Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose and Premium Polyurethane Soaker Hose ensure efficient watering for a thriving garden.
Lifestyle decisions in home-and-garden management can include the use of natural products like Milky Spore Powder for Japanese beetle control, which not onlytargets the larvae stage in the soil but is also safe for people, pets, beneficial insects, and the environment. Additionally, corn gluten organic fertilizer, also used in the home-and-garden, can help manage Japanese beetle populations by inhibiting their egg-laying, providing an additional organic solution.
