How To Make A DIY Japanese Beetle Trap And Save Your Garden

This one is simple, and you probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
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[@OrionARS]

You could cut the top of the milk jug off, and then put it back on inverted to create a funnel top to increase catch rate

[@jecriggs]

Good idea! Also, it's recommended that your bait traps be located upwind and at least 3 metres (~ 9 feet) away from the plants or trees you are trying to lure them away from; if it's too close, they will still chomp on the plants or trees you are trying to save.

[@monicam665]

Thank you! My Garden is saved and I share this video with everyone because it really does work ❤

[@jerrywhidby.]

Thank you Monica. It's really nice when somebody takes the time to comment on how something work for them.

[@TomFoolery9001]

The soap also breaks the surface tension of the water. This means bugs that can normally "stand" on top of the water just fall in.

[@henrywilliams1965]

Many years ago when we had the enormous Japanese Beatle problem, my dad gave me some bait he had bought to lure the Beatles into milk jugs thus drowning the Beatles and solving my problem with them eating my roses, I had beautiful roses on a white fence in my front yard. I put out two traps that evening one on each end of the fence. Iwent to work the next day and when I got home late that afternoon I was overwhelmed. Both traps were over flowing with Beatles and the white fence was covered with probably a billion more Beatles. Not only that but they had eaten every leaf off my roses causing them to eventually die. My advice on traps is to get someone far away from you to put out the traps and maybe the Beatles will leave you and go to them. I tried something else I found more effective and safe, Dawn dishwashing liquid mixed with water, just spray on your plants will protect them for about ten days, then spray again.

[@mickey5779]

How much Dawn liquid per litre?

[@lbeaver6807]

I used a similar method in apple juice plastic jars as they had larger openings. Then I laid the jar on its side close to my cocoa plants. It worked great! Also after much investigation, I discovered that farmers who were loosing their crops, found that the female comes out at dawn and feed in the dark so they started use solar lights (Xmas lights, actual lights, or solar Xmas lights that are shaped like a tree placed by each tree or plant). After loosing 80 of my plants to these beetles, I was able to save my last 8 with the lights. And I used the solution around other trees or plants that were easier to reach. Bottom line, they both worked but the solar lights were easier.

[@nathansmith22]

@@mickey5779 you only need a few drops to break the surface tension of the water.

[@ThriftStoreBibles]

Good idea on attracting birds to the bush, that's something we hadn't thought of!

[@ml9633]

Thank you. Will do this, watch my wife with a soap bowl ticking them off branvh & rose flowers & other, 4 to 6 beetles at a time. I do this similar concoctions for our apple trees, but with molasse. Like one comment below, slicing the top of container wider opening will sure help your catch. Nice to see some of your results in another video :) Rest assured that we will draw more birds, liked that idea :) cheers

[@milasgardendiary9550]

I am definitely going to use these for my apple trees in the summer. Thank you so much Ramble.

[@marilangdon7087]

Place the trap a distance away from the problem. A trap can attract beetles from up to 5 miles away. Thanks for the recipe.

[@lonestarcj8132]

This is correct. Don't attract the beetles with a baited trap.

[@oldchickenlady]

boy did I need that video this year! this is the worst year I have had for bug damage!

[@suzypenguin]

Thank you.... so very helpful!

[@teresarusinska9914]

excellent love this natural approach thank you

[@isabelladavis1363]

thanks so much for this simple home remedy will certainly give it a try this year...stay blessed

[@yeneremartig2757]

I tried this in my small strawberry patch. Put the jug in the patch next to beetles. Within 30 minutes, I had three in jug.

[@beverlycook4913]

Good idea!!! Thank you!!!

[@gosia3032]

Awesome idea ! Thank you !

[@lmartin23]

Great tips thank you!

[@lizajane1905]

THANKS!!! I really appreciate your tutorial! Love your channel. 🌻

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@joanharris8057]

Thank you for showing us how to trap Japanese beetles! They are in my green beans! Put out 2 traps and caught some. Will try your DIY traps.

[@09anutka]

my chickens get crazy after JB......and ducks too , its their favorite desert ...

[@jerradcampbell74]

Captain America has saved the day!! ;) I may try this next year. You hit on a good point about birds loving Japanese beetles. About a week ago all of my grapevines were covered with Japanese beetles and sense I feed a lot of birds, after 2 days, I had no Japanese beetle issues. I think a combination of both methods will do quite a bit of Justice. Thank you sir for all you do and keep up the good work. :)

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Birds don't like mine.

[@chongallen330]

I have looked lots video of how to make home made Japanese beetle traps, you are the best , thank you.

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

Wow! What a compliment! Thank you, Chong! Thanks for watching.

[@Mogov79]

I was confused at first, though we were making wine! 🍷🤣🤣🤣I'm making one of these to try. They won't leave my roses alone this year.

[@sandy-rr1by]

veddy veddy interesting!!! thanks for the instruction. i have a large crape myrtle that will benefit from this.

[@b4roni1]

I put a childs pool with a few inches of water under my trap to catch any that fall off. seems to help reduce beetle populations some more

[@tinadunaway1737]

thank you this works great,

[@samkitty5894]

No it does not. Stop lying.

[@elainemcnary625]

Another great idea. 👍🍀

[@lhanso20]

If you can get a Lady Banks rose, it will become a big tree with gorgeous, fragrant blooms...

[@chompachangas]

Kickstarting the fermentation process. Bloody brilliant. I noticed several june bugs in the yard today while I was doing my afternoon inspection of my veggies. Thank you!

[@bellarosa009]

I have to try this in my garden this year. The JBs just love my roses and hibiscus plants. I hate to use any insecticides in my garden. I have used soapy water, but it when they are smart bugs and fly to the top of the roses. A spray bottle with soapy water helps too. Still, I can't wait to try this method! Thanks much for sharing!!

[@scottmiller1956]

Feed the birds all year 'round and your problem will be eliminated.

[@Mykitchenchanne1]

Just wondering… did it work for you?

[@bellarosa009]

@@Mykitchenchanne1 I forgot to try it! I did use a spray bottle filled with water, dishwashing liquid and Neem oil. That works, but you can't spray that when it's sunny outside because the oil will affect the leaves of your plant. Plus, it washes off with the rain and you have to spray it again. You could also just ditch the Neem oil if you don't it and just use soapy water. Just knock them into it - do it early in the morning when they are sleepy!! -

[@peggyboehnlein8755]

Thank you!!!

[@congamike1]

Thanks!

[@waynehackney5812]

Thanks for the info. I noticed Japanese beetles in our backyard just last year (in Canada).

[@mickey5779]

They're all over Eastern and south-central Ontario.

[@Momma_Tomma]

Thank you!! I will try this before i buy the pheromone traps.last year was the worst and i couldn't keep up with them.

[@mattsmith7845]

The dish soap actually works as a surfactant. It lessens surface tension so they sink and drown

[@julieweaver3456]

I am so making this today! My beans are taking a beating from those nasty beetles! Thanks!

[@angellas.1314]

Did it work?

[@julieweaver3456]

Yes it did! But, it also killed a lot of the bees!...not to mention, other bugs and flies.

[@debainslie7904]

Thank you.....

[@sl5311]

This explains why I've been seeing catbirds in my backyard the last few years

[@heidigilman1941]

Thanks, those beetles are really attacking my gardens this year!

[@7msjster]

I just discovered these suckers on my ivy! first time in 20 years! This ivy is on my back yard fence and goes for 2 sides of the house. I'm gonna try this but there is so much and it is just creeping me out to think what else and where else they are.

[@adevarulfaraperdea9645]

did it worked ? the traps from Amazon is a little expensive and I invested already so much in my garden . Tennessee soil in really bad , we often have to refresh our soil ,planting bags , control the animals , fertilize , buying neem oil for the other bugs , protect all the plants from birds , you name it is always something . This is such an inexpensive method if it works .

[@MariaPerez-hl4js]

You forgat to mention the squirrels, I had fruit trees in the past and had to pull off all out because they ate all the fruits. I got so mad that I put some poison attached to trees and killed some but then I felt guilty and stopped.

[@tylanway5450]

soap makes an oil slick...got it. Great video tho. very good! Thank you so much liked and subscribed.

[@paulk5311]

i am going to try some milky spores this fall on my yard. in the garden i will be adding nematodes. that should take care of the grubs in the ground that turn into beetles come next spring.

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

let us know how it goes. Thanks a great idea.

[@adronlamb9334]

I've tried it, the beetles keep coming. Although it may help with the next generation of grubs, the adults still come from all over the area every summer

[@joanl2057]

Try companion planting with containers of mint around fruit trees, bushes, vines and roses... It has kept them away from my grapevines... Where mint is a huge ground cover there.

[@venessamarquis5293]

Huh. The beetles love my mint plant.

[@jasonsejkora4578]

Was spraying neem today and yesterday and really was wishing I had some chickens. Lol

[@clothescircuit]

it me

[@anncraig4434]

Birds here rather like berries more than Beatles, even Robin's. Have had to rely on traps from feed stores. (Southern Mo )😛

[@MarkFaust]

Really? Who doesn't like the Beatles? Most likely the beetles.

[@solokat1980]

I use Apple Cider Vinegar and unscented clear Dish Detergent. Works Great!

[@shahrzadghaznavi4950]

Seriously it works? How much of each you mix?

[@SteadfastTrailFarm]

I was wondering if I could use apple cider vinegar!! I have honey but I am sure that will work instead of granulated sugar?!

[@TomFoolery9001]

@@SteadfastTrailFarm Sure but way more expensive than some cheap sugar.

[@deniseakagvtspender5885]

Should we cut a bigger hole in the jug to allow more battles and pest to enter? Thanks for sharing.

[@scottmiller1956]

I'm so glad you brought up the best way to control them...BIRDS! I feed the birds all year around in my garden and have a regular army of sparrows, along with catbirds, finches, cardinals, starlings, and many others too. I never have any issues with Japanese beetles at all, while my neighbors and others in other parts of the city get ravaged by them every year. I keep telling people about this simple and NON-TOXIC remedy, but nobody seems to pay attention. Sad really.

[@benacker1983]

Birds can be pests, too, though, especially if you have berries in your garden.

[@anonymousanonymous7304]

​@@benacker1983 especially if you have cherry trees.

[@aromaofhope]

I'm going to try this, but I'll have to skimp on the yeast because it's 2020 now, and yeast is hard to come by these days. Thank you for the video!

[@lalaland9429]

🤣 yep it’s 2020

[@laurenwoods5907]

What did you use instead of yeast?

[@KRowe]

Awesome! Need to try this- have then destroying my grape vines right by the house, and the birds won't come near.

[@shannon6584]

I was wondering if this worked for other bugs as well? I saw the tomato video and seen that it does work for beetles! Did you find any other bugs in trap? I don't use any type of chemicals around my home because of the animals, thanks for a natural alternative.

[@justlive9304]

What do you think the effective range is to lure away from plants?

[@andym8533]

How do you keep the critters from taking the trap?

[@zhikov7000]

This may be the best hack ever, but i simply didn’t have nerves to watch it all the way through...

[@kenfochtman8698]

How long will this last until you have to replace it?

[@nathanielbravo4464]

I have that shirt 👕 👍

[@kelli3610]

I just made one, hope it catches the beetles on my corn.

[@moregardening5014]

Did it work?

[@kelli3610]

@@moregardening5014 yes some. You need more than one really

[@boknows8936]

Can you post a video on what was caught, lol, wanna make sure its working..thanks

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

Check out the video we made about keeping birds away from your tomatoes a few days after this one. We visited the beetle traps in that video to see if they were working, and there were quite a few in them. Thanks for watching our video, and thank you for the comment.

[@lionelzamora4536]

Bo Knows this man knows what he's talking about play attention you might learn something I surely did thank you sir and Familia good day God bless

[@ageofempiresriseofrome3666]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqDWXqZ8pJyIn6c

[@daniespry1186]

Question :) How long is this trap effective? When should we replace the liquid?

[@MaryGarcia-dt5jd]

Lol, I agree😀

[@mickey5779]

I have over 3 dozen roses in my back yard. So far I set out a trap that was purchased. From what I gather from this video....you're saying that Japanese beetles are likely to prefer this sugar-yeast-fermented fruit concoction over fragrant rose blooms? Really?? That would be a dream indeed if it proves true. I believe that consistent effort in trapping them year after year must be made. Over time, their numbers will diminish eventually.

[@robertrenfrow8621]

I heard somebody mention using a five gallon bucket because the wider top makes it easier for the beetles to fall right in.

[@0321MrsJones]

I saw one with a cone of paper in the jug to create a wide entry, I'm going to try that.

[@garybartek]

Do you feel mixture is still effective?

[@deweylasv]

Opens yeast Raises to nose Sniffs freshly opened yeast 😂🤣

[@stevenc7666]

I’m fairly sure he blew on it to open it up.

[@tylanway5450]

Wait is this banana flavored prison liquor? lol i love it (I can make it in a toilet with enough time). Just realizing my neighborhood is lousy with these beetles eating like locusts from The Grapes of Wrath. Thank you again. I think they are even eating my choke cherry leaves....not a leaf known for being tasty and they are def. attacking my maple leaves and idk if I have a grape leaf. Birds, bait traps, and more monitoring in the future. thank you

[@cesiahsatterlee3093]

How often do you empty the jug?

[@munchblitz]

We are a few miles down the road from you. Curious, if you had any bears go after this mixture?

[@stormstrike1845]

Is it brewers yeast or baking yeast?

[@lorisweeney3661]

How often do you change it?

[@shannonmills1422]

Does the liquid in the jug become smelly after days in the sun? Japanese beetles have discovered my second-floor balcony garden...they're turning my flowers into swiss cheese. I'm considering putting a jug out but if it's stinky, it will annoy the neighbours downwind...

[@elizabethschiman6072]

Would this work for rosechafers?

[@chrisdavis7617]

Thank you. I need to know why the jugs can't be on the ground? I have a large cage full of blueberry plants, 50 of them. Bugs are having a 3 week party unless I do something. Been spraying and that works for a few days. Would like to try the traps, but I don't have posts near the bushes. Large framing posts make up the cage, but they are 6 feet from the berry bushes.

[@donahbarber9346]

I use those shepherd hooks to hang my traps on.

[@davypicolet1911]

Hang them on the post 5 feet away is good. Instructions on store bought traps recommend up to 30 ft away if I remember right.

[@evelynargueta490]

So far i made tge trap.. it is a few feet from a pole bean plant litterally being shredded by these beetles..its been there for a day now and the beetles havent noticed it... ill give it another day since we had a shower today..so far no results

[@gailreese4699]

Will it work for stink bugs. I think that is what is eating our beans?

[@budskillman7510]

How long will it take to attract and drown my first beetles?

[@berniesully9173]

Thanks for the info but next one please but the mic closer to you having a hard time hearing what you are saying. Thank you

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

I'd like to know if it kills the bees too...I can't find anywhere in the comments where they question was answered.

[@RoomRent-ee5xm]

why do u want to kill bees? They have to pollinate your plants or there will be no plants or food

[@IndianaBackyardGardener]

Not TRYING to kill bees....lol I want to avoid it!!! I need my bees!!

[@billiepeach4238]

I wish I could hear you better. Thanks for this info.

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

Hey Billie. We think the phone's mic might have been picking up the sound of the rain on my wife's umbrella instead of my voice. We might redo this one. Thanks for watching, and sorry for the poor audio.

[@billiepeach4238]

Homesteading Off The Grid no problem, just wanted you to be aware.

[@mariasanchez0101]

Great video, will it attract bees? I am a beekeeper and don't want to hurt my girls. Thank you.

[@Lililooswatchingyou]

This is my question also - and the baby dragonflies

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Did you try it to find out ? I don’t want to kill beneficial insects ☹️

[@calebfuller4713]

Bees are only interested in nectar and pollen, not this kind of rotten or fermenting stuff. In fact the last thing a bee would want is to introduce something to the hive that would make the honey ferment! It attracts the beetles because they go for ripe, over-ripe and damaged fruit, which may start to ferment, same with wasps.

[@marybethg8367]

Does it attract more beetles from other areas? I've heard that beetle traps make your problem worse because they lure beetles in from the neighboring areas and increase the beetle population in your yard.Do you know if the trap you suggest will do the same?

[@jasonsejkora4578]

I read the same, but they are demoing my fruit bushes and working on my trees too. Idk what else to do. Lol

[@janetrichardson2644]

Thanks for sharing. Is the sugar white granulated sugar or brown sugar? Thanks

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

We use brown, because that's the kind we use in our home. I'm sure white would work, though. Thanks for watching our video Janet.

[@betsyf7186]

Can this be made without yeast, or is there an easy replacement?

[@lauraservey495]

Sourdough starter. It is easy to catch wild yeast this way. Make sure to use filtered water with an equal part of flour (any kind works) and have it in a jar with a coffee filter, cheese cloth or even a thin towel as a lid. Stir it once a day and when it smells slightly sour, you have a colony of wild yeast for free.

[@wildcatgrljulie63]

I was wondering if this mixture will hurt the good insects like Praying Mantis , lightning bugs, etc..? I have some plants in my garden that the Japanese beetles are eating up too! I want to get rid of the Japanese beetles but not the good bugs!

[@animallover5626]

I’m not sure what other plant eating bugs would be attracted, I’m sure there are some, but it shouldn’t hurt mantises because they wouldn’t be attracted to the fruit scent and wouldn’t try to enter the container. They may hangout near the trap to eat the attracted insects but I don’t think they would try to enter it.

[@normanrichardson5590]

Might be a strange question, but does it matter what type of yeast you use? Great video with a natural solution. Thanks

[@stormstrike1845]

I was wondering same.

[@lizhyrkas3989]

Use the kind that you use to make bread (any brand).

[@LindaFlynn321]

Is that white sugar or brown sugar?

[@lmartin23]

Btw, did you caught a lot? Can you show what you caught with your mixture? Many thanks.

[@richonley8741]

Gonna try it ...tomorrow..there eating mygarden up..ty

[@chernagast6754]

Funny enough, my chickens won't eat Japanese beetles. (They love June beetles, though).

[@CyberSERT]

Yeah. I don't like beef teriyaki but give me a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich any day!

[@tools4meuc]

Do the honey bees get attracted to this also? Would not want to kill them. Just wondering if you have seen any around your trap.

[@SteadfastTrailFarm]

Oooh! Good question!!! I'd like to know that!!!

[@tracyphaup]

Honey bees fly very differently than beetles do so I’m hoping it’s safe for them...

[@calebfuller4713]

This sort of thing will NOT attract honey bees, which only go for nectar and pollen. The LAST thing a bee wants in the hive is some rotting, fermenting thing that will affect the stored honey!

[@wabbitinred3778]

Last year those beetles ate every single petal off my flowers, so all I had was stems..

[@user-wj4yc5nk4u]

Could they be hung under trees?

[@terrihaskell-bedgood5744]

Do you have a video about your pond?

[@HomesteadingOffTheGrid]

We have several. Many involving the floods we suffered earlier this year. Just go to our channel and click on 'videos' then scroll down. You'll see them. Thanks for watching this video.

[@myswanktrendz]

I was wondering the same. Thanks

[@bilgekarakasdiker6630]

Do you think this also attracts bees?

[@laurengurnee8167]

Does this work with asiatic beetles also?

[@venessamarquis5293]

I have a real problem with asiatic beetles too. There aren't many resources out there that mentions those. I'm thinking that whatever works for Japanese would work for asiatic. (?)

[@stanky6261973]

He's probably marking his territory. He's mad at you because you're killing his vibe lol.

[@edwardwillis8197]

I tried your method to the letter and it hasn't worked at all Fact is the ones in them I had picked off and put them in the jugs.

[@pjo1093]

Was that normal sugar ??( it looked real orange .. hope it works ( did you catch alot??? Will you show us if you cought any ?? Thanks for sharing..

[@SteadfastTrailFarm]

He was using unbleached sugar :)

[@cadsucks]

Will this concoction (with the well ripened banana) make the yard stink?

[@keshlalish5586]

so any microbrewery beer should work right ?! just add soap

[@Ragnovlod]

I was thinking that, or wine, smelly red wine. You could make your own starter yeast as well. It seems yeast is not always available these days.

[@pamschonfarber1041]

What does the sugar & yeast do?

[@michaelmauter2251]

Fermentation. Basically making alcohol.

[@carollgrahliii3415]

How long does this remain effective before you need to refresh the concoction?

[@MarkFaust]

Good luck on getting an answer.

[@davidschmidt270]

I wonder if this could be used to treating fruit flies and fungus gnats....also...why did he get 88 dislikes....what were they're reasons🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@chernagast6754]

My chickens won't touch them, sadly.