JAPANESE BEETLES
Japanese beetles, as their name implies, are from Japan.
In 1916, the Japanese beetle was discovered in a New Jersey nursery.
In Japan, the insect is beneficial as its natural enemies’ help keep the population in check. However, here in the United States, the beetle is without their natural predators, making the Japanese beetle the most widespread turf-grass pest in the United States.
APPEARANCE
The adult Japanese beetle has a metallic-green body with six tufts of white hair along both sides of its abdomen. The larvae looks like other white grubs; the distinguishing V-shape pattern is only identifiable through magnification.
LIFE CYCLE
Throughout its life, a Japanese beetle causes havoc in the United States.
Currently, the adult Japanese beetle is feeding and destroying over 300 plants in Nebraska, including roses, grapes, and soybeans. The female adult Japanese beetle is also laying 40 to 60 eggs burrowed three inches into the ground.
Unfortunately, in August and September, these eggs turn into grubs and begin to feed on turf roots, causing healthy grass to turn brown.
In late fall, these grubs will burrow themselves four to eight inches into the soil and remain inactive for the winter.
Then, next spring, the cycle will begin again as the grubs begin to feed on turf roots and start its formation into an adult.
Susceptible Plants
The following are plants susceptible to the adult Japanese beetle:
Solutions
If you only have a few Japanese beetles in your yard, you can do the following:
– Pluck the pests from the plants and place them in soapy water; and/or
– Place a mesh net over plants being destroyed.
If you have multiple Japanese beetles destroying your yard:
– Purchase mechanical traps. These traps are an effective way to curtail egg laying, however, more beetles will be attracted to your yard. If using traps, do not put them near your garden or plants; it is best to place the traps on the border of your property to reduce plant destruction. Mechanical traps prove to be most effective when used throughout a community or neighborhood.
– Sign up for our Pest Control and/or Turf Wellness Program. Both of our programs help curtail the Japanese beetle population at your residence. The Pest Control targets the adult Japanese beetle and the Turf Wellness Program focuses on the immature grubs buried in your turf.