Native MN vines that are resistant to Japanesese beetles

[GonativeAlex]

We have a large growth of virginia creeper that gets defoliated by japanese beetles it is so bad that i plan on replacing it with a vine that looks good and doesn't attract the horrible beetles. I live in MN any good native sabjestions I was thinking American bittersweet.

[GonativeAlex]

well any subjestions. I was planning on killing the vine in late summer or fall and buying new vines next year when money isn't an issue.

[sprucetree]

If you've got more time than money just pick them off, They are least active in the early morning.
Dropping them in a bucket of soapy water will keep them from flying away.
After a couple days dig a hole and bury them.

[GonativeAlex]

I've tried that. I think our beetle problem is beyond that point now sadly.

[Equilibrium]

That's a defeatest attitude. Take an umbrella and open it up wrong side up under the vine then shake the vine. They'll drop off the leaves and into the umbrella. I just walk the umbrella over to a hard surface then tip it so they slide out then stomp on em. I found that a 5 gallon bucket was too small..... too many of em never made it into the soapy water. Even when I've used the umbrella.... some get away but not as many as if I'm using a bucket and it feels good "stomp dancing" on them.
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Japanese beetles... Popillia japonica.... aren't all that discriminating in what they'll defoliate. You might as well save your money and work with what you've got.

[sprucetree]

Don't give up; Remember every bug will lay thousands of eggs.

If you're overwhelmed then set-up some traps: It doesn't have to be fancy, Just a cone that they can fly into and can't get out.

[sprucetree]

Good morning Equil. Yes the "Crunch" of stomp dancing is satisfying, Just remember to take off your dancing shoes before going in the house.

Stay Hydrated today; It's gonna be a hot one!

[Equilibrium]

Top 'o the morning to you too spruce!!! I know.... I know.... about the staying hydrated. I got called in yesterday so my routine's sorta off. I went out there at around 5:30 this morning watering and it was sweltering by 7... I think I downed a whole liter of water already this morning just standing around with the hose.
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The stomp dancing is fun. There's some sorta ornamental shrubs around an assisted living center I stop in at every month and they're always loaded with the Japanese beetles. The beetles literally skeletonize those shrubs and they're rignt by the entrance so 1 day last year I brought my umbrella and opened it up and shook a whole bush over it. I couldn't believe how many I stomped that 1st time so I did all the shrubs the same way. Some people outside smoking clapped for me. They're really pretty beetles but.... they sure do a number on a lot of plants if they're left alone.

[BeeWonderful]

Originally Posted by Equilibrium

That's a defeatest attitude. Take an umbrella and open it up wrong side up under the vine then shake the vine. They'll drop off the leaves and into the umbrella. I just walk the umbrella over to a hard surface then tip it so they slide out then stomp on em. I found that a 5 gallon bucket was too small..... too many of em never made it into the soapy water. Even when I've used the umbrella.... some get away but not as many as if I'm using a bucket and it feels good "stomp dancing" on them.
--
Japanese beetles... Popillia japonica.... aren't all that discriminating in what they'll defoliate. You might as well save your money and work with what you've got.

I'm glad I haven't spotted Japanese Beetles here. Even though they are bad bugs, I cannot bring myself to crush big juicy bugs like that... I just beg hubby to do it for me. Any way to get over this squeamishness?

[Equilibrium]

I dunno.... I learned how to shoot a 22 and I still couldn't shoot a rat or an English House Sparrow.... go figure. I've got an idea..... Get urself some chickens!!! Just kidding. Japanese beetles are pretty fast unless.... they're indisposed as in.... mating. It'd be pretty hard feeding em to chickens.