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Can you ID this pest and how to organically remove them? #869193

Asked May 20, 2024, 8:39 AM EDT

Can you ID these how to organically remove them. They have been eating my pear trees.

Kalkaska County Michigan

Expert Response

These are May/June beetles. Unfortunately, there aren't going to be many effective organic options beyond hand-picking. There's evidence that growing ground covers such as buckwheat near the tree can provide an environment less hospitable for the larvae (called grubs). Additionally, tillage in the fall may disturb the grubs in the soil. Milky spore won't work, since it's only effective on Japanese beetle.
David Lowenstein Replied May 20, 2024, 11:12 AM EDT

Sir,

            Thank you for your timely response. In my frustration with this infestation, on such a young tree, I mixed up a one gallon pump strayer with one teaspoon of Dawn dish soap and added one ounce of neem oil. I made sure that the oil was fully emulsified. I used the entire gallon on that one tree and the ground below and outside the dripline. That was on Friday, the 17th. As of this writing the tree is totally free of pests. I will reapply after each rain cycle.

 


Thank you for your support,

 


Glenn 

 


From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2024 11:13
To: gdgannon <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Can you ID this pest and how to organically remove them? (#0139114)

 


The Question Asker Replied May 20, 2024, 12:04 PM EDT

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