I saw my first Japanese Beetle yesterday, then today found a bunch on my perennial hibiscus. Last year I had luck with a product called 'Spot Shot' by Spectricide -- it is the only thing I have found that works and I really hate to use chemicals. I really worry about the bees. We have more of the yellow/black huge bumblebees than I have seen in years.

I know if I just leave these little buggers alone, they will completely decimate my Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon and fruit tree leaves. Since we are having rain daily, there is no point spraying anyway but I am so tempted to just forget about the damage. (Don't know if I really can do that!)

Please don't suggest hand-picking. There are thousands. And - those traps just draw more to the gardens. We are surrounded by soybean fields and that is why we have such an abundance of the beetles.