Japanese beetles

[crupp]

All. I've got Japanese beetles eating the shit out of my hops right now. Interestingly enough, they're not attacking all of them...I'm not really a big fan of using pesticides on my hops. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[NHBrewer]

There are some earth friendly solutions like soap spray and capsacin sprays that are pretty good. Not sure the best for the beetles.

Chris

[KingMonkey]

I've heard that marigolds will distract the beetles and kill them. Try planting some near your hops. This is what I do for my hops and general companion planting (although I may not live in an area with Japanese beetles). I also plant geraniums, Petunias and garlic and onion chives. I've done a lot of companion planting this year and have a lot less bugs. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_companion_plants#Flowers

You might also be able to spray them off, either with water or with a natural soap solution.

Good luck
KM

[crupp]

Thanks a lot! I think that I'll be planting some geraniums and petunias.
I appreciate the help.