Question
Greetings LIG!  You helped me with a peony/thrip questions a couple of years ago.

Here in the midwest the Japanese beetles have been gruesome this year.  We have had thousands (and with two lindens and 23 roses they come to your attention). The number has increased exponentially.  Last year we dropped the little darlings into soapy water and that contained them, but this year we advanced to acephate and then had to alternate it with Malathian.  I didn't want to use Sevin or anything that lingered too long - I try to use organic means. Rotenone dust I though too dangerous, since it can easily be inhaled.

So - I have on hand Milky Spore (enough for 10,000 square feet) and an applicator.  I have done my research on the St. Gariel web site, so I know that the "fix" could take some time.

Question 1: when should we apply it?  We are guessing September.

Question 2: should we follow up with parasitic nematodes in the spring, and if yes, is that the right time?

Question 3: what kind of nemetodes would you recommend? I realize from your responses to others that there is a magnificent Japanese nematodes but they arenot available.

I have benefitted from your advice to me and to others.  Thank you.

Answer
Put the Milky Spore down asap.  The sooner, the better.  You're right, this is going to take some time and you want to get that show on the road.

All those chemicals... They'll kill everything including the Birds and any number of beneficial insects that would have devoured your JB's and other bad Beetles.  Now you're in real trouble.

Did you see the various points I tried to make that new construction plots are notorious for their Japanese Beetles problems?  All that tilling and Soil disturbance destroys the Soil structure and wrecks the balance of Nature.  You need that like a hole in the head.  What are you doing to cause it?  Rototilling?  Mass extinction of the bad bugs on your real estate plus all its collateral damage?  Whatever it is, back off and let your Japanese Beetles fall prey to one of the many natural exterminators.

Nematodes are delicate and very expensive, but they are really effective if you know what you're doing.  Pick whatever they're selling at a reasonable price at Gardens Alive! or your other favorite online shopping resource.

Just as important is your Bird-friendly actions.  If you have Starlings in your region, you're in luck; they have a voracious appetite for adult Japanese Beetles.  Other Birds are Beetle larvae-lovers.  A water feature and a place to perch are all you need to get them to come and relax.  They'll be popping Japanese Beetles right and left while sitting at the Tiki Bar.  

Several insects, including Assassin Bugs and Tiphia Wasps, attack Japanese Beetle larvae.  But all this should be backed up with your organics-friendly actions.  This is a growing field, and when you see new people, consider they will need help with these new things as well as the kitchen.

Thanks by the way for your very nice endorsement.  It's good to be appreciated.

Any questions?  Ask away.

L.I.G.