DEAR SUN SPOTS: My rose bushes were infested with Japanese beetles this summer. Is there anything I can do now to prevent another infestation next year? — No name, no town
ANSWER: Good question! Sun Spots has heard many complaints from gardeners this year about these beetles. They are nonnative invasive insects that feed on rose bushes and blossoms (their favorite fare), as well as fruit trees, shade trees and hundreds of other plants. They are bronze and iridescent green, about a half-inch long. They eat just about any plant, leaving lacy leaves behind. The best way to prevent another infestation ahead of spring is to treat your lawn soil. That’s where the larvae live in the fall, eating the roots of your grass and other plants. The grubs spend winters deep in the soil and emerge as beetles in the spring.
Natural treatments for grubs include neem oil, dish soap, insecticidal soap, castor oil soap and olive oil. Mix with water — about three parts water and one part oil or soap — and spray on your lawn. Synthetic chemicals such as grubicide should be applied to the lawn according to the instructions on the product label.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Woman’s Literary Union will have a Fantastic Huge Yard Sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Foss Mansion, 19 Elm St., in Auburn. The proceeds will support mansion restoration and scholarship funds.
Available items include furniture, electronics, an Xbox 360, video games, tools, jewelry, toys, fabric and sewing notions, craft supplies, books, dishes, housewares, holiday items, stamping supplies, Boyds Bears, Scentsy, antique treasures, records and more!
This sale will be held rain or shine! Credit cards and debit cards will be accepted. Please no early birds. — Kathy, Lewiston
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Jay Baptist Church, 29 Smith St., in Jay will serve a free public supper Saturday, Sept. 23, from 4:30-6 pm. The menu will include baked beans, hot dogs, chili, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, rolls, desserts and beverages. — Kay, Jay
DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United Methodist Church of Auburn on Park Avenue will not hold a bean supper in September. We will resume our bean suppers Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. — Steve, no town
This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We will not use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
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