Since the 1940s, when gardeners and landowners were advised to use milky spore in powder form, Japanese beetles have seen a significant decline in population. Eventually, the milky spore-infected grubs die, dispersing the spores throughout dense populations. The Japanese beetle larvae are sufficiently populated by the milky spore at 2 to 3 weeks for the back end of the grub to turn white. The milky spore continues to infect the larva’s body as it grows and develops. The spores eventually move into the hemolymph of the beetle larvae, which is a location rich in the food this spore loves. The Japanese beetle larvae’s gut contains the spores, which start to multiply at day two and reach peak production at days three to five. Japanese beetle larvae consume spore content while feeding on grass roots and the roots of other garden plants. Popilliae are fungi that live in soil that contains yeast, casein, and other amino acids and sugars. Other natural insecticides also target grubs, but they do not contain this specific bacterial strain. It is not effective against other damaging grubs.

However, this bacterium only infects adult beetles, grubs, and larvae of the Japanese beetle. Nowadays, homeowners use it to eradicate infestations of the Japanese beetle and other grubs. When landowners applied milky spore in large quantities, this was made commercially available in 1948. The pathogen that causes milky spore disease, Paenibacillus popilliae, was then isolated by the team.įrom the bacteria that cause milky spore disease, spore powder was created. They linked the whiteness to milky spore disease, as it is commonly known. Japanese beetle grubs with white tails were discovered by researchers looking into the insect invasion. Japanese beetles destroyed crops and ornamental plants all over the United States in the 1930s, making a comprehensive national response necessary. What exactly is milky spore, how should it be applied, is it a particular organic control or does it have side effects on animals like many other insecticides, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of using milky spore in your lawn and garden? Then they lay eggs, dig a hole, and eventually their young (grubs) feed below. In their brief time above ground, Japanese beetles (especially adult beetles) actively feed on anything they can, including grass roots. Milky spore powder is one natural remedy created to combat the Japanese beetle issue. The adults of Japanese beetles burrow into the ground in the fall to lay eggs that eventually develop into grubs are you having issues with them eating your plants? And anyone with a lawn is aware of the damage these grubs can do to gardens and lawns.

Tips on applying milky spore powder