Japanese beetles have voracious appetites. They devour the foliage, flowers, and fruits of various plants, causing extensive damage to our gardens. The feeding behavior of Japanese beetles is particularly harmful as they strip leaves down to just the veins. This not only detracts from the beauty of affected plants but also weakens them over time. Luckily, a natural solution exists to repel these troublesome beetles — cedarwood oil. By using cedarwood oil, you can deter Japanese beetles from your plants without resorting to harsh chemicals or harmful pesticides.
Derived from steam-distilling wood from the cedar tree, cedarwood oil has a robust and earthy fragrance that is a versatile household product. Among its many benefits, the essential oil can also serve as a natural repellent against several pests, including Japanese beetles. Unlike traditional insecticides that aim to kill insects, cedarwood creates an unfavorable environment that deters beetles from settling in the area. Here’s how you can ward off these bothersome pests in a safe and eco-friendly manner using cedar essential oil.
Keeping Japanese beetles at bay
To concoct an effective natural beetle repellent using cedarwood oil, begin by diluting the essential oil in water. For larger quantities, mix 4 tablespoons of cedarwood essential oil with 1 gallon of water, then transfer the diluted mixture into a spray bottle for easy application.
When it’s time to spray the foliage, you can enhance the stickiness and adherence of the mixture by adding a few drops of a carrier oil, such as olive oil, to the blend. This will help the repellent cling to the plants, ensuring better coverage and longer-lasting protection against Japanese beetles. Shake to combine, and apply to the plants and perimeter of the garden where the beetles like to feed. Repelling Japanese beetles with cedarwood oil can be a simple and cost-effective approach, especially if applied early in the beetle season. Multiple spray applications may be necessary, particularly after heavy rain or if the beetles persistently return. However, the cedarwood essential oil should always be diluted before use, as applying it directly can harm the plants.
