Japanese beetles and grubs

[GrowPro]

What are some of your tips and tricks for getting rid of Japanese beetles and their grubs that don't involve heavy pesticides? Introducing beneficial nematodes didn't make a noticeable difference last time. Picking them off the plants in the morning works, but it's a tedious process. Are pesticides all I'm left with?

 

[RichZ]

I've used Milky Spore to get rid of grubs, it really works. And I used Japanese beetle traps for the beetles. They also work really well.

 

[OhSusanna]

I second RichZ with using the Japanese beetle traps. Some people say that they attract more beetles to your yard, and that might be true, but in my experience they work a treat. Unfortunately, you won't get rid of the grubs that way. Grubs are usually fairly close to the surface of the soil this time of year. Dig them up and throw them to the chickens. The issue with nematodes is that you often have to add them for more than one season in order for it to be effective.