What do i use to treat my roses this fall to pevent infestation?

Question

I have roses and have had japanese beetle infestation in the past 2 years. I would like to treat systemically to prevent this problem, next year.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

First you need to get rid of the grubs in your lawn. They are what grow up to be japanese beetles. Use Milky Spore, cover your yard with it..but it won't keep out the grubs/japanese beetles from your neighbors..it's almost an never ending cycle.

Answer 2

Japanese Beetles do love roses.

I've gone to using an insecticidal soap  - any that are derived from Neem Oil.  The product doesn't kill beetles itself, but it's been discovered that plants sprayed with Neem Oil products are distasteful to Japanese Beetles, and they move on to something else.

You'll need to spray about once a week starting in Late June, and continuing through early August (which is the period that they are out and about).  A bonus is that Neem Oil products also prevent a host of fungal problems like Black Spot and Powdery Mildew.  Several birds with one stone, so to speak!