How to Make Japanese Beetle Traps

Do it Yourself

Crystal Ray, Yahoo! Contributor Network
May 3, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."

Japanese beetles can do a devastating amount of damage to the leaves of fruit trees, bushes, vegetables, and a number of other outdoor trees, flowers, and plants. They feast on the tender parts of foliage, and they leave behind a path of destruction. Hundreds of Japanese beetles can attack a single bush, tree, or plant, and after days of feasting, reduce it to skeletal remains.

A minor problem with Japanese beetles can be controlled through handpicking, but a major infestation requires the use of pesticides or traps. Japanese beetle traps are an environmentally friendly alternative to pesticides, and when properly placed, they work very well to control them.

You don't have to purchase Japanese beetle traps since they're really very easy to make. Once you make Japanese beetle traps, you'll never go back to buying expensive store-bought traps and refills. The traps you can make are every bit as effective as commercial varieties, and the containers used to make them can be emptied, refilled, and reused again and again.

Necessary Supplies

To make a Japanese beetle trap you'll need a gallon-size plastic jug, 1 quart of water, ½ cup of sugar, 1 cup of mashed ripe fruit, 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast, a utility knife, a long-handled strainer or large slotted spoon, and a piece of rope or twine for hanging.

Procedure

Begin by rinsing out the plastic jug, and carefully cut a large opening in the top, but leave the handle intact. Next, combine the water, sugar, and mashed fruit and yeast, and mix them together thoroughly. Hang the trap from the limb of a tree about three feet off the ground, or hang it from a hook intended for a hanging flower basket. Before long you'll notice Japanese beetles floating in the liquid, but they won't be able to escape and will eventually drown.

Each day, strain out dead beetles and chunks of fruit, and replace it as necessary. Bury dead bugs and rotting fruit, or properly dispose of it in an airtight bag. This will prevent the mixture from emitting an offensive odor, and it will continue to attract Japanese beetles. This is one of the most effective Japanese beetle traps you can make, and it's far less costly than typical store-bought traps and replacement bags.

Placement

Instead of making just one or two traps, make several traps to lure Japanese beetles away from your plants, trees, and bushes. The further away they are placed on the property the better. Otherwise, you will attract Japanese beetles to your foliage, rather than lure them away.

Published by Crystal Ray - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Crystal Ray is an award-winning freelance writer and artist from the Chicago area. Her passion is interior design, but she also loves entertaining and crafting. She is continually developing unique and creat... View profile

How to Make Japanese Beetle Traps

Do it Yourself

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