The Best Pesticide for Japanese Beetles in Grapevines

Carbaryl

• Carbaryl is a wide-spectrum insecticide in the carbamate family. It is used against over 100 species of insects on fruit trees, ornamentals, shade trees and other crops. Carbaryl works on the stomach of the insect or by absorption through direct contact, according to the Cornell University website. Carbaryl is a moderately toxic insecticide that must be used with care and can cause minor skin and eye irritation in the user. Carbaryl residue only lasts a short time. Unfortunately, carbaryl can kill beneficial insects as well as targeted insects, such as Japanese beetles.

Malathion

• Malathion is an organo-phosphate compound used against a variety of insects that infest fruit trees, landscape plants, shrubs and vegetables, as well as for mosquito control. It works by affecting the nervous system of the insect, which inhibits chemical signals within its body. Malathion degrades very rapidly in soil. It is highly toxic to bird and aquatic life and should be used only according to label directions.

Permethrin

• Permethrin is man-made pyrethroid insecticide, similar to the natural pesticde pyrethrum made from the chrysanthemum plant. It works by paralyzing the nervous system of the insect when it eats sprayed grapevines or when in direct contact with the compound. It breaks down rapidly in soil and has low to moderate toxicity in humans. However, it is highly toxic to fish and bees and should be used carefully and only according to label directions, according to the National Pesticide Telecommunication Network website.

Neem

• Neem is a botanical pesticide made from the neem tree, Azadiracta indica. Used for centuries in the East for medicinal, cosmetic and insecticidal purposes, neem extracts are now widely used in organic pesticides to provide protection against insects, such as Japanese beetles, with the least amount of toxic effects to the environment. The active ingredient in neem extract, Azadirachtin, stops the beetles from feeding and discourages them from laying eggs on treated surfaces. Neem does not persist on plants and may require several applications to be effective. It is relatively non-toxic to wildlife and breaks down quickly in soil, water and sunlight.