Japanese Beetles and Johnson Grass

I have a weird mix of thoughts left over from yesterday's work.

Data points:
Johnson grass has invasive spreading rhizomes, that break easily when pulled, especially in hard ground, leaving parts that keep sprouting.
Japanese beetles tend to pick plants based on pheromones. and their grubs end up in the ground below that area.
Pheromone based traps are available and seem to do well for attracting them.
Moles love the grubs and eat them and loosen the soil.

So. To me, that adds up to putting pheromones on the Johnson grass, so the area will be full of grubs, that will get the moles to loosen the soil so I can remove the roots easily and kill off the dad-ratted Johnson grass.

Anyone see holes in this plan? The beetles are amok, the grass is amok, seems like there oughta be a way to get the beetles to kill the grass :)  And I have lots of moles happy to help!

Pearl, I love the idea of using one pest to ensnare another!

About the only problem I have with the pheromone trap is that the traps tend to attract Japanese Beetles from seemingly miles around and they don’t always stay at the trap—they sometimes munch around before getting to the trap.

But still a good idea.

Eric

Howdy!
I'm with Eric on this.
Other than Japanese beetles doing what they do, and then provide crunchy treats for poultry, I would love to see you "Science!" it.
Anything that makes Johnson Grass easier to dig out of garden beds is a Good Thing in my book.

The beetles are already in the area, I doubt a trap would attract them from much farther, not a lot of area for them to come from.

The grass isn't in garden beds, that's why the soil is so compacted. Beds would be easier to pull it out of. It's busy eating any area I haven't been able to mow, due to things like brick piles.

:D

Pearl,

Give it a try, see what works.  It is a good idea and if it does not work, you can always stop so in the long run, I don't see a lot of problems here.

Eric