Debby: the bug you have is called a Japanese Beetle. If there are many, they will defoliate a plant leaves quickly. The best and safest way to dispose of these rascals is to pick them off the plant and drop into a container of water with a few drops of dishwashing soap. (Wear disposable gloves if you are a bit squeamish). They will drown and die quickly. Another method is to hold the soapy water container under the leaves they are feeding on and lightly tap the leaves and the insect will drop straight down into the container. If all else fails several insecticides will kill the insects however, you run the risk of killing our precious bees, butterflies, and other pollinators if you spray the flowers with insecticides. If you must use an insecticide do not spray the flowers directly and minimize the number of times you spray.
Leave a Reply