wrote in message
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We are growing several things in pots on the deck this year.
Everything is doing very well (tomatoes, various peppers, and one pot
of basil). Within the last week, the basil has become covered with
Japanese beetles. Just the basil, nothing else.

I remember something called Bag-A-Bug that my parents used years ago,
and it seemed to work pretty well. But I can't find it anywhere.

What can I use to get rid of these nasty beasts?

Probably the easiest thing to do with potted basil is to use a physical
barrier. Use something called Remay, which is a lightweight white spun
polyester. Just put some stakes in or a tomato cage and drape this fabric
over it. Make sure you seal it towards the bottom with bent hangers in the
shape of big staples or some stones. This stuff is often used to keep out
cucumber beetles and I'm not sure whether Japanese beetles can eat thru this
stuff or not. When you need some basil just open a section, pince off some
leaves and close it back up.

-al sung
Rapid Realm Technology, Inc.
Hopkinton, MA
(Zone 6a)