Hand-pick beetles early in the morning and drop them into soapy water

Use Japanese beetle traps only if placed far away from plants you want to protect

Cover vulnerable plants with fine mesh or row covers during peak beetle season

Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to affected plants

Use pyrethrin or other labeled garden insecticides if infestations are severe

Remove beetle grubs from soil with beneficial nematodes

Apply milky spore to lawns to target Japanese beetle grubs

Keep lawns healthy and avoid overwatering to reduce grub-friendly conditions

Remove damaged fruit, flowers, and fallen plant material promptly

Plant less-preferred species to reduce future damage

Monitor plants regularly and act early when beetles first appear