Hot Water as an Insecticide for the Japanese Beetle in the Roots of Nursery Stock1

Abstract

Hot water is an effective dip for killing the eggs, larvae, pre-pupae, pupae, and adults of the Japanese beetle ( PoPillia japonica ) in the soil. A temperature of 112°F. is the lowest which will give dependable results within a practical period of time. This temperature is recommended for the treatment of soil about the roots of nursery stock, to destroy the soil-infesting stages of the beetle. An investigation is now under way to determine what varieties of nursery stock can be treated with hot water, and the optimum time of year for applying the treatment with least injury to the plants.