Will beetles hurt orchids?

[Sharyn]

I discovered a few beetles (I think that's what they are), on my hibiscus plant. They're chewing the flowers. Since a number of my outdoor orchids are in close proximity, I'm not sure what to use to get rid of them.

I hosed off the hibiscus with a strong blast of water and it didn't budge them! Then I tried some Safer's7 last night. One dead, one still active and flew off. They're a little darker in color than a copper pan. Sorry for the out of focus pics, but it's windy and the bush kept moving.
What can I use to get rid of them? The only other thing I have on hand is some Bayer's Rose/Tree insecticide. Will that work? Only problem is, it's going to be close to 100F today, hopefully, cooler this evening.

[snowballsarebad]

Sharyn, these guys are Japanese beetles. they are voracious eaters. Last year, they nearly destroyed our crab apple tree before we put up beetle traps.
You can get traps from places like Lowes and Home Depot... set them up a ways from the plants they seem to be targeting. If you have them really bad, you'll have to change the trap bag every other day or more. This is the best advice I can give because it is the only thing that works for us and our trees. Also, if you have a yard, be sure to apply grub killer to your lawn in the fall. We did this last year, and so far the beetle population in our yard is lower, but there are still a lot of them.
Luckily, the beetles stay in our front yard for some reason; I think they like the really hot temps out there and the sun. My orchids are in the back yard, so they are mostly safe from them. I did find a couple the other day though on my maxillaria, and I just flick them off with my fingers.

[Sharyn]

Thanks for your reply. It seems this year is a bad year for bugs, especially the ones I've never seen before! First the scale, and now beetles. Our lawn was recently treated for grub control and I have a nursery & a Home Depot close to home, so I'll pick up some traps tomorrow (too hot today). Thanks again.

[fred]

I just thought of bumping this thread so members can help sharyn with her question.

[kazjak]

I found this interesting tid bit from the University of Kentucky Entomology website.....

"Research conducted at the University of Kentucky has shown that the traps attract many more beetles than are actually caught. Consequently, susceptible plants along the flight path of the beetles and in the vicinity of traps are likely to suffer much more damage than if no traps are used at all. In most landscape situations, use of Japanese beetle traps probably will do more harm than good. If you experiment with traps, be sure to place them well away from gardens and landscape plants."

http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef409.asp

I always treat for grubs in the fall and mid spring and so far this summer I've only squashed about 10 of them.

[snowballsarebad]

Well, I live by science, but UK's results haven't proven true for our yard. Last year, we didn't put up beetle traps until one of our trees was nearly destroyed. There were thousands of beetles. This year, we got the trap up early, and the beetles haven't been so bad, and our same tree is much less gnawed upon.
We get them REALLY bad here in GR, I've never seen them thick like they are here.
It probably helps that many houses on our street have traps, and we all have them out by the road. This way, all the beetles are attracted out to the road, and not into our lovely plants and trees.
I know one thing though, the traps are definitely helping in our situation.

[janet_a]

i guess the idea is that putting the traps out in the yard is better than putting them right there in the flower beds...

[kazjak]

The nice thing about forums is hearing about success stories.. I've never purchased one but I think you guys have talked me into it. I found that article when I was debating purchasing one. I almost bought one of those propane tank Mosquito traps last summer but from what I've heard about those you'll have a better chance lowering the herd if you just ran around with a fly swatter!