Milky spore for japanese beetles

[Becky in PA]

Howdy--
Can anybody give me some tips for treating my lawn w/ milky spore disease? The japanese beetles decimated my roses this year, and I see big dead patches in my lawn, and I finally put two and two together . . .

Is it too late to apply it this year? (southeastern PA--zone 6B)?

Is one brand just like another?

I have about 3/4 of an acre in the back. Can I apply it by hand or should I get a gizmo or spreader of some kind?

Does one application do the trick or do I need to reapply it for a few years to get it to "take"?

Thanks!!

Becky in PA

[kidzdad]

Check out this link. I think it will give you some answers. There is a FAQ section that answers common questions.
http://www.milkyspore.com/milkyspore.htm

[Becky in PA]

Thanks--I found that website this morning, too. But it doesn't say anything about the timing of treatments, and since it's a manufacturer's website, it doesn't say anything about whether there are brand differences. . .

[kidzdad]

I talked to someone at a local garden center and they already had the bags for spreading put away. I think you may be able to still get the powder but I think it is too late in the season to apply. You should be able to apply in early spring though.

[wild4flowers]

The FAQ section was really informative. Spring and fall with most of the application in the fall when they are feeding actively. I also had heard 1-3 years before maximum effect, but didn't realize that the older the spoor, the more effective they were. Really interesting. CHAR

[Becky in PA]

Yes--I saw that. I guess I was wondering if it's now too late in the fall. It sounds like the sooner I get the disease in there the better, but I hate to waste an expensive treatment if it's too late for a fall application.

[wild4flowers]

Japanese beetles burrow deeper into the ground and hibernate/not eat at this time of year until spring. So they wouldn't be eatting lunch any time soon. Don't waste your money until they are actively feeding. CHAR