Do Japanese Beetles Hate Cinnamon or Cloves?

Insect Activity

• Japanese beetles begin their life cycle as grubs. Initially, they feed on plant roots, such as turfgrass. As they mature into adults, these insects work in cooperative groups to remove foliage from plants and grass. Being winged insects, Japanese beetles move quickly between plants, searching for ample, edible foliage. Most beetle damage occurs during the spring and summer. Mating also occurs during this period to start the life cycle again next growing season. Using extensive, harmful pesticides for beetle control each year negatively affects your plants, especially if you cultivate edibles.

Proper Deterrents

• Several natural deterrents work well for Japanese beetle control. Cinnamon and cloves are not among them, while they do deter certain other insects. Try planting tansies (Tanacetum vulgare) or geraniums (Geranium spp.) near your affected plants, along with rue (Ruta graveolens) herbs. Japanese beetles want a comfortable environment for feeding. These particular plants create poor feeding conditions, especially bitter rue. As a result, beetles move onto other plants without harming your garden. Also try planted garlic (Allium vineale) for effective beetle control; its strong scent forces beetles to look elsewhere for sustenance.

Cinnamon And Clove Uses

• Although cinnamon is not a Japanese beetle deterrent, it is effective against ants, weevils and grain moths. Cinnamon's strong scent creates a barrier across ant trails. Ants must follow a trail to effectively feed and nest in a collective area. Without this trail, ants become chaotic and retreat to another area where they can create a proper trail. Weevils and grain moths avoid your food stuffs if you use a cinnamon stick in your containers as well. Additionally, clove deters ants and flies, even if you place it in a small bag. Its strong scent quickly permeates the surrounding area and forces these insects away from your plants or food.

Physical Control

• If you only have a few plants that are heavily infested with Japanese beetles, try to remove them on a consistent basis. When the sun rises, beetles are still cold from the night. Being cold-blooded, their body temperatures fluctuate with the ambient temperature, meaning Japanese beetles rely on the sun's warmth to keep their bodies nimble. Gently shake your plants in the morning so that the not yet fully awake or nimble beetles fall easily into a container, which you have filled with water sudsy with dish soap, which kills these pests. When you consistently remove them from your plants, the population eventually dwindles or moves onto another area for better reproductive success.