Sharlene, that photo doesn't show how nasty it can be. I've often seen such a thick mass of beetles covering the buds that no color showed through at all. By that time the buds and blooms are too damaged to salvage, so I just snip the bug covered bloom and all into a bucket of hot soapy water.
Several years ago after inoculating with milky spore I saw a dramatic reduction in Japanese beetles. I saw a few here and there nibbling a petal, but no serious or obvious damage. That lasted for about 4 or 5 years. I can't be certain it was actually the milky spore that made the difference because it seemed I didn't see much beetle activity in other gardens in the area either. I didn't really scrutinize other yards that closely either, so its hard to say.
Gorgeous bouquets Rita!
I've enjoyed having an abundance of blooms this year, enough that I don't mind or even miss blooms cut to bring inside.
I did flowers for 2 weddings over the weekend, and am still somewhat pooped. It was 4 days of go go go and I missed some first blooms. Its been so rainy and I've been so busy weeds were getting out of control and hiding some new blooms. I took care of the worst of it among the new roses and found lovely blooms on Teasing Georgia, Graham Thomas, Lady of Shallot, and Munstead Wood.
My favorite of the bunch is Teasing Georgia. Its blooming in clusters, and with more warm apricot showing than I expected. Not sure I'm going to want to leave it where I've positioned it, but what a beauty!
