Re: Japanese Beetles
- To:
- Subject: Re: Japanese Beetles
- From: M* T*
- Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2000 01:30:13 -0400
----------
> From: Blee811@aol.com
> Date: Saturday, August 12, 2000 8:03 AM
>
> ===>Even when they're exploring other plants they always find the
roses--the
> one constant.
>
Yup...roses seem a universal favorite with them.
> ===>Yes, but they aerate UNDER the plants or they leave mounds in
the areas I
> mow. And I've read that they eat earthworms too. On the whole,
I'd rather
> be rid of moles.
Yes, BUT you can stomp down the tunnels quite easily and press plants
back into place. I've never lost a plant through having a mole
tunnel under or near it. Of course they eat earthworms, too, but
they also eat grubs. Actually will eat any "meat" they find
underground. While I am a fan of earthworms, I do not hold the fact
that moles eat them against the moles any more than I hold it against
Robins and other birds who relish a nice worm.
It really is a shame that such a mild and beneficial little critter
as a mole gets such bad press. Seems like most people are bent on
ridding the world of moles and industries have grown up selling all
sorts of mole killers and repellers. Pity, IMO, as they really do no
more than minor cosmetic damage that can be easily set right...I'm
thinking of their tunnels; a quick stomp and the soil is level again
and has benefited from some aeration. Just look at it this
way...moles are an indication that you have a good, healthy ecosystem
working. If you didn't, there would be no food for them to find:-)
If your mower is set high enough for really healthy grass, the
tunnels don't get hit:-)
> ===>I don't put soap in the water; it doesn't seem to matter. But
I have
> several jars just sitting around in various spots so there's
usually one
> handy when I see a beetle.
Still think squashing is best - immediate, satisfying to the gardener
and a warning to the rest of them:-)
>
> ===>Yes, about 3 of my 7 acres is either lawn or grassy field. At
one time I
> had a tall, ornamental grass in one spot in the field. One year
the Japanese
> beetles could always be found sitting on the grass in the sun.
Like the
> asparagus, the beetles did not seem to be eating the grass, just
resting on
> it. Sunbathing perhaps, or waiting to spot a rosebud. Why is it
that I
> never find a JB on the creeping Charlie, chickweed, garlic mustard,
or smart
> weed?
Have you thought about using milky spore on your lawns or fields? If
you're rather isolated from other grassy spots that aren't treated,
should help reduce the J.B. population.
I know, that list of plants is one I wish pests preferred, but none
seem to - neither 4 legged nor 8 legged....sigh.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor: Gardening in Shade
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