How To Use Traps To Catch Japanese Beetles That Are Eating Virginia Creepers

Question From: A. FIORILLO - Schenectady, New York, United States
Q: HI, THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR I HAVE NOTICED THAT THE JAPANESE BEATLES ARE EATING ALL MY FOLIAGE ON THE VIRGINA CREEPERS, IS THERE ANY INSECTICIDE THAT I CAN USE. I ALREADY HAVE SET UP TWELVE TRAPS AROUND MY VINES BUT IT SEEMS IT IS TOO DEVASTATING FOR THE TRAPS TO CONTROL ALL OF THE BEATLES

A: Antonio, the traps are attracting all the Japanese beetles from the area to your vines. They should be placed 30 feet away next to a non flowering tree or shrub such as a pine tree. They will not trap all the beetles. I hand pick them by holding a cup of soapy water under a leaf hitting the leaf with an open hand so the beetles drop into the cup. I can't pop them all, but it makes me feel a bit better. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.