Go out with bucket of soapy water, hand pick them and drop them into the bucket...instant death.

so... do you think their friends come back in this kind of instance, or that this batch bug bugs stays dead and their friends stay away? (i have no experience with this). Thanks!

Japanese beetles?

Sadly, I have no idea what they are.

Hi Greg.

Definitely a Japanese Beetle attack. There are various controls/methods for dealing with them. Google is your friend lol.

The link below gives some info. There's lots out there.

Best of luck.

Rick

Here is a link that might be useful: japanese beetle controls

Jap Beetles.
Just hunt them, dropping them in soap water, to their death.

Just killing them seems to be at least reducing their population, but I still had about 8 today after killing 20 yesterday.

Jap Beetles.
Just hunt them, dropping them in soap water, to their death.

Oh, those guys are dreadful. I live in fear of the day they work their way down to us here. I have read good things about Milky Spore, but it takes several years to take effect. Bucket of soapy water is the first line of defense. Also, pay attention to when they are there and when they are not. My sister in Tennessee says they leave her area around mid summer. If you can figure out when it's safe, plant then.

Their population is reducing now in late august. Seems that Aug 1 - Aug 20 is their prime time, at least here in Ontario. Planting in late summer won't work here given our shorter season. The good news is the plants are still alive and producing! (they look horrible though). Thanks for the tips guys!