Plants That Deter Japanese Beetles

The Battle Against Japanese Beetles

If you've ever had a garden or cared for a lawn, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with pests. One of the most common and destructive pests in many areas of North America is the Japanese beetle. These small, metallic-looking insects can cause significant damage to plants, shrubs, and trees if left unchecked.

Fortunately, there are several natural ways to control Japanese beetles. One of the most effective methods is to plant certain types of vegetation that act as natural repellents. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best plants to use as a natural defense against Japanese beetles.

The Best Plants for Repelling Japanese Beetles

1. Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family and is known for its ability to repel Japanese beetles. In fact, studies have shown that catnip oil is just as effective as DEET at keeping insects at bay. Plant catnip around your garden or in pots near your patio to keep Japanese beetles away.

How to Grow Catnip

Catnip is easy to grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. You can catnip from seeds or purchase established plants from a nursery.

Benefits of Catnip

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, catnip is also an attractant for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. Plus, it has a pleasant scent that many people find appealing.

2. Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is another plant that Japanese beetles dislike. The strong odor of garlic can be enough to keep these pests away from your garden.

How to Grow Garlic

Garlic is typically planted in the fall and harvested in the summer. It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly. You can grow garlic from cloves or purchase seedlings from a nursery.

Benefits of Garlic

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, garlic is also a natural insecticide that can help control other types of pests in your garden.

3. Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a close relative of garlic and also have a strong odor that repels Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Chives

Chives can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefer well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Chives

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, chives are also a tasty herb that can be used in cooking.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are colorful annual flowers that are known for their ability to repel a variety of pests, including Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Marigolds

Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Marigolds

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, marigolds are also a beautiful addition to any garden and can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

5. Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are another type of annual flower that can help keep Japanese beetles at bay. The strong scent of nasturtiums is thought to repel these pests.

How to Grow Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Nasturtiums

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, nasturtiums are also an edible plant that can be used in salads or as a garnish.

6. Rue

Rue (Ruta graveolens) is an herb that has been used for centuries to repel a variety of pests, including Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Rue

Rue prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Rue

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, rue is also believed to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

7. Tansy

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) is a perennial plant that has a strong, pungent odor that repels a variety of pests, including Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Tansy

Tansy prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Tansy

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, tansy is also believed to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

8. Thyme

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herb that has a strong scent that repels Japanese beetles. It's also an attractive plant that can be used as a ground cover or in containers.

How to Grow Thyme

Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Thyme

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, thyme is also a tasty herb that can be used in cooking.

9. Wormwood

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an herb that has been used for centuries to repel a variety of pests, including Japanese beetles.

How to Grow Wormwood

Wormwood prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Wormwood

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, wormwood is also believed to have medicinal properties and can be used to treat a variety of ailments.

10. Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a perennial flower that has a strong scent that repels Japanese beetles. It's also an attractive plant that can be used as a ground cover or in borders.

How to Grow Yarrow

Yarrow prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be watered regularly and can be ed from seeds or purchased as established plants.

Benefits of Yarrow

In addition to repelling Japanese beetles, yarrow is also an attractive plant that can attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do these plants work for other types of pests?

Yes, many of these plants are effective at repelling a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and mosquitoes.

2. Can I use these plants in combination with other pest control methods?

Absolutely! These plants can be used as a natural complement to other pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or neem oil.

3. Are these plants safe for pets and children?

Most of these plants are safe for pets and children when used as directed. However, some plants, such as rue, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

4. Will these plants attract beneficial insects?

Yes, many of these plants are attractive to beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

5. How often do I need to replant these plants?

Most of these plants will last for several years with proper care. However, annuals like marigolds and nasturtiums will need to be replanted each year.

If you're looking for a natural way to control Japanese beetles, planting certain types of vegetation can be a great solution. By incorporating the plants we've discussed in this article into your garden, you can help protect your plants from these destructive pests. Be sure to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.