07/06/2020
I usually try to practice Ahimsa or non-harming.✌️ When a swarm of Japanese Beetles almost wipes out my grapes, cherries and peaches overnight, I’m gonna pull out some weapons.
⠀
The standard treatments for Japanese Beetles also kill bees. 🐝 That’s no bueno. I filled a spray bottle with 4 T. of liquid dish detergent, water and (t.?) peppermint essential oil. I’m super hesitant to recommend the peppermint oil as it can easily burn your skin and eyes. You could try this without the essential oil. If you are going to use the peppermint, wear gloves and glasses and be super mindful of wind direction. If your gloves get some overspray be careful not to touch your face or eyes. 👀 You could also try Neem oil if you have some.
⠀
Anyhoo, it worked!!! 🙌 I sprayed pretty heavily 2 mornings in a row. This morning was just a little touch up.
⠀
Next up, figuring out how to harvest a few peaches before the squirrels 🐿 eat them all.
⠀