Hello Sue,

You can control rose chafer beetles in sandy-soil northern Michigan without harming your neighbors’ honeybees—primarily by using physical exclusion, timing, habitat management, and bee‑safe biological controls. Below is a clear, research‑based plan drawn from university extension sources.

Understanding Why You Have So Many Rose Chafers

Rose chafers thrive in sandy soils, which is exactly what you have in Ocqueoc. More information at this link:

Rose chafers | UMN Extension

Adults emerge in late May–June, feed heavily for 3–4 weeks, then disappear. More information at this link:

Rose chafer management for northwest vineyards - Grapes

They feed on flowers, fruit, and foliage, especially roses, grapes, berries, peonies, and many trees. More information at this link:

Rose chafers | UMN Extension

Because your neighbors keep honeybees, you need non‑toxic, non‑systemic, and non‑residual methods.

Bee‑Safe Control & Eradication Strategies

1. Physical Exclusion (Most Effective & Completely Bee‑Safe)

Floating row covers

Use lightweight fabric over vulnerable plants during peak emergence (late May–June).

Remove only when plants are not at risk or when pollination is needed.

Recommended by multiple university extensions for protecting fruit crops from rose chafer feeding. More information at this link:

Rose chafer management for northwest vineyards - Grapes

Fine-mesh netting for shrubs or vines

Works well for grapes, berries, and roses.

Prevents beetles from landing and feeding.

2. Hand Removal & Trapping (Safe for Bees)

Hand-picking

Shake beetles into a bucket of soapy water early in the morning when they are sluggish.

This is surprisingly effective when done daily during peak emergence.

Yellow pan traps (non‑pheromone)

Place shallow yellow pans with water + a drop of dish soap.

Rose chafers are attracted to yellow; bees are far less attracted compared to pheromone traps.

Keep traps away from flowering plants to avoid accidentally attracting bees.

3. Soil Management to Reduce Future Populations

Rose chafer larvae (grubs) develop in soil, especially in sandy areas.

Reduce grassy/weedy patches where adults prefer to lay eggs. More information at this link:

Rose chafers | UMN Extension

Maintain thicker vegetation or groundcovers—rose chafers prefer sparse, sandy turf for egg‑laying.

Beneficial nematodes (bee‑safe)

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora or Steinernema species can reduce grub populations.

These biological controls do not harm bees, pets, or plants.

Apply in late summer when grubs are small and near the soil surface.

4. Botanical & Organic Sprays That Are Bee‑Safe When Used Correctly

Kaolin clay (Surround)

Creates a physical barrier on leaves that deters feeding.

Non‑toxic to bees and other wildlife.

Must be reapplied after rain.

Neem oil (with strict timing)

Neem is generally bee‑safe when applied at dusk when bees are not active.

Works as a feeding deterrent, not a strong insecticide for rose chafers.

Avoid spraying open flowers.

5. What NOT to Use (To Protect Bees)

Systemic insecticides (e.g., imidacloprid)

Extremely dangerous to bees; avoid entirely.

Carbaryl (Sevin) or pyrethroids

Highly toxic to bees and can drift to neighboring hives.

University extensions warn against their use during bloom or near pollinators.

Best Integrated Plan for Your 5 Acres in Ocqueoc

Early May (Before Emergence)

Apply beneficial nematodes to sandy areas where grubs likely overwinter.

Mulch or plant groundcovers to reduce bare sandy soil.

Late May–June (Peak Adult Activity)

Cover vulnerable plants with row covers or netting.

Set yellow pan traps away from flowers.

Hand-pick beetles daily if numbers are high.

Apply kaolin clay to high‑value plants.

July–August (After Adults Disappear)

Continue soil management to reduce next year’s population.

Reapply nematodes if needed.

Why These Methods Work (Backed by University Research)

Rose chafers are strongly attracted to sandy soils, which explains your infestation.

They cause major damage to fruit crops and ornamentals in Michigan.

Physical exclusion is the most reliable protection for grapes, berries, and roses.

Larvae feed on the roots of grasses/weeds, so soil and vegetation management reduces populations.

More information at these links:

Rose chafers | UMN Extension

Rose chafer management for northwest vineyards - Grapes

I hope this helps!