Operation Japanese Beetle Eradication (JBE)
Date: June 26, 2017
Subject of Study:
Japanese beetles aka Revolting Beasts
Entomoligists:
– Joseph the Bug Hunter (JBH)
– Jacob the Bug Whacker (JBW)
– Melissa (Mom)
Report on 1st Experiment:
The beetles in the bug house are not as destructive as we predicted. It is possible that we have disturbed their behavior patterns by taking them out of their natural environment.
But I suspect something more diabolical.
They are up to something. I just know it.
New Observations:
– With high winds in the early afternoon, subjects behaved as they do in early morning and twilight hours. They were hanging on tight to their green victims, but they did not flee when approached.
– They are moving onto the blackberry leaves in force. I find more congregating there everyday.
– There are no Japanese beetles on the blanket of mint growing on the vineyard floor. Is the scent too strong?
They are increasing in number and becoming more destructive by the day. We must figure out how to stop them before it’s too late.
Experiment #2:
In further studying natural methods of disposing of the revolting beasts, we have decided to strategically place containers of drowned beetles around the perimeter of the most attacked areas of the homestead.
Other beetle battlers have reported success with this method. Apparently, the smell of rotting beetle bodies deters others from coming into the area of destruction.
Results pending. (I’ll believe it when I see it.)
a pinch of homestead 
Cute. I wonder if they make mint scented tiki torches that you could burn around your most hit areas?
It’s worth a try! Last year we clipped mint and hung it between the vines, but it didn’t do much. There were just too many.
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