Yesterday I discovered the Monarchs have started to return to the garden and unfortunately, so have the Japanese Beetles.  It seems that their plant of choice is a milkweed plant that found its way into my garden three years ago. 

While I’m over the moon at the return of the butterflies, I’m not as pleased about the beetles.  It is hard to believe that any beetle as beautiful as the Japanese Beetle can be so destructive in a garden. 

So, here’s what to do.  If over the next few days, the beetle population increases (notice the third photo - it’s beginning to look as if I’ve got more), I’ll prepare my “bucket of death”.  Basically a pail with a couple inches of water in the bottom and a bit of dishsoap.  I place the bucket under the branches where the beetles are - give the branch a little tap and watch them fall to their watery grave.  Last year, my bucket was filled with hundreds in less than 10 minutes!  And in three days I had the situation completely under control without bothering any of the other little creatures in the garden - a perfect solution!