This a.m. I discovered there were far too many Japanese Beetles in the garden doing what Japanese Beetles are here to do:  Making more Japanese Beetles; and eating my leaves.  So it was time for the “Bucket of Death” - a safe and effective way to rid the garden of these dastardly creatures.

I assembled my bucket, the hose and the dish soap.  I filled the bucket to the depth of 15 cm (4″) and added a squirt of dish soap.  With the bucket in one hand, I’d use the other to tap on the branches where the beetles were hard at work more beetles.  They quickly let go, falling into the watery grave.

I will continue to do this for the next few days, at which point their cycle should be complete.  And, it will be back under the sink until next year for my trusty “Bucket of Death”!