What are your ideas on natural pest control for Asian beetles?

Merin Porter

I "second" that question.  They were insane both last year and this year.  One good thing I've had come out of this is that I've been learning where the ingress points are, so I've been plugging those.  Still,...

Peter Caruso

I don't use sprays in my home,(except vinegar which didn't faze these critters. So once I realized they are not friendly Ladybugs I went on the warpath. I keep a small plastic cup and a table knife handy. When I see one of these bugs I use the knife to nudge it into the cup. I fill the cup with water so the bug'll flow into the drain. Then I run the water 15-20 second to carry the bug down the drain. These things don't drown easily so I don't want them to find their way back into the sink. I can usually catch 2-3 at a time before the first one figures out how to get out of the cup. The first day I got nearly 50, after that a couple dozen a day for about a week. Then I was bug free for about 2 weeks until, it seemed, the next generation began hatching. This time I got 32 the first day. I'm now in my second period of being virtually free of them. Maybe more will hatch and I'll need to do it again. Hopefully I can break the cycle.

TimWhite

Do they damage plants in some way? I welcomed lady bugs because they control the aphids which are a problem. But I have better results for that by growing woodland tobacco, Nicotiana sylvestris, in pots and putting the tobacco near and leaves in contact with the plants that are susceptible to aphids. Also kills the fungus gnats that seem to be spreading some mildew or other plant diseases.

GrowCrazy

These beetles are generalist predators, in fact they just saved my hibiscus trees which I have been overwintering in the house from an aphid infestation. But honestly if they get to be too much, I suck them up with a portable vacuum, then free them outside.

H_D

essential oil of camphor or any menthol scent will usually repel asian lady beetles.  (camphor working the most effectively) there is a natural pesticide Dr Zymes that works well also.

isaiah10

We use to put a Bay plant or bay leaves to keep them out.

We  havent had very many the last few years.

Dad use to suck them up with the shop vac.

We here in S.W. Mich . are having troubles with stink bugs .

If someone has something that will keep stink bugs  out  let us know

H_D

Diatomaceous Earth works sprinkle it around the openings it acts as a dessicant, neem essential oil in a spray, mint and garlic also will repel stink bugs.  HTH - Heather

isaiah10

Diatomaceous Earth we have used this before for the flees on dogs,

You mention to sprinkle it around the openings do you mean the doors and windows?

We have some neem oil on hand so will use some of that.

I seen a stink bug on the kitchen light shade and I went to squash him and I seen another coming out of the light fixture  , its one that has two key holes where the screws  are to hold the fixture up.

I didn't think the opening is big enough for them to get in  but I seen him come out. I put some scotch tap over the two holes and has slowed them down.

Thank you for the reply.

H_D

yes, sprinkle around openings that bugs can get in, window sills, doorways etc.  you can make a spray and spray your window screens and door openings..it doesn't last forever I would repeat at least once a day but the stink bugs do not like those scents and go somewhere else that is an easier path.  you'd be surprised at how big bugs can get through small openings lol enjoy - Heather

Marjory Wildcraft

Hi Grow Crazy (hah!  love that moniker you got there ).

A vaccuum cleaner?  That is such a cool idea.  Traditionally, paying kids a nickle a bug was a good formula - especailly for potato beetles.  Give the kids a cup with soapy water and paying them 5 cents for each beetle in the cup.

Hmm, with infaltion, it might be more now, huh?

Cherlynn

I hate these buggers!  They stink and they bite!  We've used vacuum cleaners to suck up the hundreds that turn up inside our home.  I leave them alone as long as they do the same of me outside.  But inside they are going to get sucked up.

Martha Skinner

I don't have trouble with either of those but any ideas on what to do about fire ants in the garden?  As well as my pots and straw bales?

HearthForYou

Over 20 years ago, many of the elm trees in our area were dying from dutch elm disease after the elm beetles weakened the trees. I treated our one elm tree, whose leaves were riddled with holes, with 5 or so of Dr. Bach's Flower Essences. The tree is still standing in all her glory.

My guess is that the tree was energetically strengthened, like boosting its immune system, and was able to ward off the beetles.