Thanks for the info Diann. I see you are zone 6. Are you talking about Johnson, Arkansas which is between Fayetteville and Springdale? If so, I pass through there every day after work and sure would stop by if it is the right place. How expensive are we talking here? Thanks,
Nancy U.

Here is the reply I got from our Extension Agent concerning JBs. Not very encouraging, is it? Millie

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I'm glad you asked about Milky Spore treatment. This treatment has had variable results in university trials. Some trials show a positive result and others do not. The main problem with milky spore is that it takes about 4 years before any effect will begin. It takes that long before the chemistry in the soil is right to kill the grubs and even then the scientific community has not found consistent control.

The idea of grub control I believe is questionable because of the shear numbers of them. If everyone treated their yards in a concentrated neighborhood it would have merit. But since they don't, your treatment may do a wonderful job but they will continue to migrate into your space from your neighbors and farm fields anyway making the treatment unjustifiable.

We are cautious about using traps even though the jury is still out on this one. I'm glad you saw some results. Our concern is that the scent from traps can be picked up by the beetles at least 1/2 mile away and it may actually bring more into your space than normal, even though the trap gets full. My suggestion is to put it somewhere a ways from your home to attract them away from it instead of to it. If your neighbors are doing it already, that's great!

I've been recommending a continual treatment of the foliage with acephate, malathion or carbaryl insecticide if they are getting on your ornamentals.

Hope this helps.

They've been really bad in Northwest Arkansas for the last few years. It seems that during drier summers the eggs hatch at a much lower survival rate. Perhaps after this summer, next spring's larvae will be much lower in numbers. The adults are laying eggs right now, or finishing up. If it stays dry for the next month most will not survive. Of course, this doesn't apply to lawns, golf courses, etc. that are irrigated. Here's good link from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service concerning JB: http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7062.pdf Whenever a new exotic population enters an area it's numbers are unusually high. With time the environment catches up, and the numbers are lower. Predators, disease, and human combat will cause the japanese beetle population to stablize.

Nancy, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you.
Yes, it's Johnson, AR.
The little critters are $49.00 a container that covers 1/4 acre. I have an acre so I spent some money, but it was cheeper and faster than the Milky Spore. Since I plan on spending $ on plants next yr. I don't want to have waisted my money on the plants. I hope those little critters survive, and have harty appatites!

Reading some old 'Old Farmer's Almanac'. These suggestions given:

geranium (Pelargonium spp.) may contain a chemical that has a narcotic effect on the beetles, either killing them or leaving them in a paralytic stupor for up to 24 hours. Field studies were being conducted (in 2000). Suggested the geraniums as companion plants for rose bushes.

(1998) For grub control suggests spraying lawn (or garden) with 2 Tablespoons of dishwashing soap diluted with one gallon of water per 1000 square feet. States that the grubs will surface and be eaten by birds. Spray each week until no more grubs surface. Suggests hand picking and disposing of in soapy water for the adult beetle. We haven't had a problem with them here so have not tried either of these tips. EP