Don't Use Beetle Traps, Read Why!

Japanese beetle traps release both a sex pheromone and a floral scent, are very effective in attracting adult beetles. They fly to the trap in droves, where they crawl or fall into the bag and can’t get out. You simply dispose of the bag, and put on a fresh one, and the process starts all over again.

The problem is, the traps attract about four times as many beetles as would normally be in your yard, and only 50% to 75% of them will actually end up in the bag. The rest bounce off and make their merry way into your garden, where they vigorously set about munching your plants and laying plenty of eggs for next year’s beetles.

So, yes, technically speaking, the traps work like a charm in attracting beetles. But in terms of actually reducing the beetle population around your plants, they may be helping your neighbors more than you.