SRW Tip#10: Controlling Pest Beetles in the Rose Garden

» Carol Wallace - I want to fervently second what you say about beneficial nematod

I want to fervently second what you say about beneficial nematodes. I used them for about three years running on my roses, and while I had a stray Japanese beetle or three, it was a very manageable population. Last year I neglected to order any nematodes -- and regretted it all summer. I suppose the experience itself was beneficial in showing me exactly how much of a difference that the nematodes really made. But I will never, never again neglect to order the little critters and spray them everywhere! Carol virtually gardening

-- posted by Carol Wallace

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» Mark_Whitelaw - I might add to Carol's remarks: What makes BN's so useful in the

I might add to Carol's remarks: What makes BN's so useful in the rose garden and other landscape locations is their requirement for moist soil.

Like all worms (micro or otherwise), moisture is a requirement for their wellbeing. (They won't work well in an unirrigated pasture, for example. But they are highly effective in an irrigated lawn.) And since our roses also need moisture as part of their Three Basic Needs, BN's are a natural companion.

Carol, I really sympathize with you folks who must struggle with Japanese Beetles. I've seen one in Texas over the past four decades... and he/she was lost, I think. :>) Our equivalent is the Junebug (June Beetle), but it isn't nearly as devastating to roses as your critter.

An even bigger problem in Texas is the Cucumber Beetle. (We have both the Spotted and Striped species.) They insist on including my roses on their list of hors d'oeuvres. :>( Without my BN's, their presence would be intolerable.

BTW, the use of natural predators will never completely decimate a pest problem. As I like to put it, only mankind attempts to destroy its entire food source population.

MarkW>Ft. Worth, TX/Zn 7b, Rose Garden

-- posted by Mark_Whitelaw

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