Protect Your Garden: Plants that Deter Japanese Beetles

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Japanese Beetles: A Gardener's Nightmare

Japanese beetles are a common garden pest that can wreak havoc on your plants. These shiny green and bronze bugs feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing significant damage to your plants. They are particularly fond of roses, fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables such as beans and corn. If you're struggling with Japanese beetles in your garden, don't worry! There are several plants that you can use to deter them.

Marigolds

Marigolds are a popular plant that is known for their bright orange and yellow flowers. However, they also have a secret weapon – they repel Japanese beetles. Marigolds contain a chemical called alpha-terthienyl, which is toxic to many insects, including Japanese beetles. Plant marigolds around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants to keep Japanese beetles at bay.

How to Use Marigolds

To use marigolds to deter Japanese beetles, plant them in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also plant them in containers near your garden or patio to keep the beetles away from these areas.

Lavender

Lavender is another plant that is known for its ability to repel Japanese beetles. The scent of lavender is unpleasant to the beetles, so planting it near your garden can help keep them away. Lavender is also a beautiful addition to any garden, with its purple flowers and fragrant aroma.

How to Use Lavender

To use lavender to deter Japanese beetles, plant it in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also cut fresh lavender and place it around your garden or patio to keep the beetles away.

Garlic

Garlic is a natural insect repellent that can be used to deter a variety of pests, including Japanese beetles. Planting garlic around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay. Garlic also has several health benefits, making it a great addition to any garden.

How to Use Garlic

To use garlic to deter Japanese beetles, plant cloves of garlic around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants. You can also chop fresh garlic and sprinkle it around your garden to repel the beetles.

Neem Trees

Neem trees are native to India and have been used for centuries as a natural insecticide. The leaves of the neem tree contain compounds that repel Japanese beetles and other insects. Planting neem trees around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles away.

How to Use Neem Trees

To use neem trees to deter Japanese beetles, plant them around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants. You can also use neem oil on your plants to repel Japanese beetles and other insects.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are a beautiful flowering plant that can also help keep Japanese beetles at bay. The flowers and leaves of the nasturtium contain a compound called linalool, which repels many insects, including Japanese beetles.

How to Use Nasturtiums

To use nasturtiums to deter Japanese beetles, plant them in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also plant them in containers near your garden or patio to keep the beetles away from these areas.

Catnip

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is well-known for its ability to attract cats. However, it also has a secret weapon – it repels many insects, including Japanese beetles. Planting catnip around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay.

How to Use Catnip

To use catnip to deter Japanese beetles, plant it in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also cut fresh catnip and place it around your garden or patio to keep the beetles away.

Mint

Mint is another member of the mint family that is known for its insect-repelling properties. The scent of mint is unpleasant to many insects, including Japanese beetles. Planting mint around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay.

How to Use Mint

To use mint to deter Japanese beetles, plant it in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also cut fresh mint and place it around your garden or patio to keep the beetles away.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a beautiful flowering plant that can also help keep Japanese beetles at bay. They contain a compound called pyrethrum, which is toxic to many insects, including Japanese beetles.

How to Use Chrysanthemums

To use chrysanthemums to deter Japanese beetles, plant them in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also use chrysanthemum oil on your plants to repel Japanese beetles and other insects.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another member of the mint family that is known for its insect-repelling properties. The scent of peppermint is unpleasant to many insects, including Japanese beetles. Planting peppermint around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay.

How to Use Peppermint

To use peppermint to deter Japanese beetles, plant it in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also cut fresh peppermint and place it around your garden or patio to keep the beetles away.

Onions

Onions are a natural insect repellent that can be used to deter Japanese beetles. Planting onions around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay. Onions also have several health benefits, making them a great addition to any garden.

How to Use Onions

To use onions to deter Japanese beetles, plant them around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants. You can also chop fresh onions and sprinkle them around your garden to repel the beetles.

Geraniums

Geraniums are a beautiful flowering plant that can also help keep Japanese beetles at bay. They contain a compound called geraniol, which is toxic to many insects, including Japanese beetles.

How to Use Geraniums

To use geraniums to deter Japanese beetles, plant them in areas where the beetles are most likely to congregate. You can also use geranium oil on your plants to repel Japanese beetles and other insects.

Lemon Grass

Lemon grass is a natural insect repellent that can be used to deter Japanese beetles. Planting lemon grass around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay. Lemon grass also has several health benefits, making it a great addition to any garden.

How to Use Lemon Grass

To use lemon grass to deter Japanese beetles, plant it around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants. You can also cut fresh lemon grass and place it around your garden to repel the beetles.

Cilantro

Cilantro is a natural insect repellent that can be used to deter Japanese beetles. Planting cilantro around your garden can help keep Japanese beetles at bay. Cilantro also has several health benefits, making it a great addition to any garden.

How to Use Cilantro

To use cilantro to deter Japanese beetles, plant it around the perimeter of your garden or near your vegetable plants. You can also chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle it around your garden to repel the beetles.


Japanese beetles can be a serious problem for gardeners, but there are many plants that you can use to deter them. Marigolds, lavender, garlic, neem trees, nasturtiums, catnip, mint, chrysanthemums, peppermint, onions, geraniums, lemon grass, and cilantro are all effective at repelling Japanese beetles. By planting these plants in and around your garden, you can protect your plants and keep Japanese beetles at bay.

FAQs

Q: Do Japanese beetles only attack certain plants?

A: No, Japanese beetles will feed on a wide variety of plants, including roses, fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables such as beans and corn.

Q: Are there any chemical pesticides that can be used to control Japanese beetles?

A: Yes, there are several chemical pesticides that can be used to control Japanese beetles. However, many of these pesticides are harmful to the environment and can also harm beneficial insects.

Q: Can companion planting help deter Japanese beetles?

A: Yes, companion planting can be an effective way to deter Japanese beetles. Planting certain plants together can help repel insects, including Japanese beetles.

Q: How often should I apply neem oil to my plants to repel Japanese beetles?

A: You should apply neem oil to your plants every 7-14 days to repel Japanese beetles and other insects.

Q: Are there any other natural insect repellents that can be used to deter Japanese beetles?

A: Yes, there are many other natural insect repellents that can be used to deter Japanese beetles, including rosemary, thyme, and sage.

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