Learn About Japanese Beetles

What are the metallic green bugs in your yard? Most likely, these pests are Japanese beetles. If you suspect your yard has fallen prey to this invasive species, take a look at everything you need to know about these beetles.

Where in the U.S. Can You Find Japanese Beetles?
Known scientifically as Popillia japonica, this pest is a common Minnesota outdoor invader. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, they are found in the Twin Cities area as well as throughout other counties — especially the southeast part of the state. Along with Minnesota-based beetles, these pests can invade almost any outdoor area in the United States (with the exception of Florida).

The beetle was first found in 1916. Noticed in a nursery near Riverton, New Jersey, the pest quickly spread westward. By 2002 the invasive species had made its way to more than 30 states, according to the University of Florida. In 1968 the beetle was discovered in Minnesota. While only a few of the pests were found in the state during the late twentieth century, by 2001 the numbers had grown significantly.

What Do the Beetles Look Like?
The Japanese beetle has a characteristic metallic green sheen and copper or brownish wing covers. The adult pest is oval-shaped and ranges in size from one-third to one-half an inch in length. The beetle's sides are covered with five white patches of hair, with two more patches located at the tip of its abdomen.

Even though the adult Japanese beetle has a noticeable appearance, the larvae don't have the same standout characteristics. Grubs are a white to cream color with a tan head. These larvae are C-shaped and grow to between one-eighth and one inch long. Given the similarities between these and other insect larvae, you'll need a pest control professional to identify Japanese beetle grubs.

Why Are Japanese Beetles Problematic Pests?
Unlike bed bugs or termites, these pests won't invade your home or cause damage to its structure. Japanese beetles invade the outdoor area and can wreak havoc in your garden or cause damage to your grass.

These beetles can attack and feed on any flower, plant, or tree. Overall, the Japanese beetle will feast on 300-plus different types of plants. While they'll eat almost any plant, the adult pests favor roses, crabapples, apples, cherries, plums, grapes, linden, elm, birch, currant, Virginia creeper, basil, hollyhock, soybean, and marigolds.

While many plants and trees can tolerate Japanese beetles, you may not like your yard's appearance after an invasion. As the adults feast on the plants, they skeletonize the upper leaf surface. This leaves the plant with a bare appearance. Constant feeding can also destroy flower blossoms, stunt plant growth, or decrease crop yield (in fruit or vegetable gardens).

The larva typically won't eat plants, leaves, or flowers. Instead, the grubs dine on grassroots. This means the pest can damage or destroy your lawn if not controlled.

How Can You Control the Japanese Beetle?
Again, most damage adult Japanese beetles cause is purely cosmetic. Aside from the possibility of stunted plant growth, these pests won't cause serious harm to your garden. Even though the beetles' feeding behaviors primarily result in aesthetic issues, you shouldn't let an invasion go. Repeated feeding can strip your plants, and the grubs can cause patchy lawn problems.

Pest control is not a do-it-yourself job. Even though DIY treatments, traps, and other products are available online or in stores, failure to exterminate the pests correctly could lead to a re-infestation and put you and your family at risk. The exterminator has the expert-level knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to eliminate the invaders from your yard.

To eliminate the Japanese beetle invasion, the exterminator may choose one of several different methods. The specific method depends on the extent of the problem. If you have a larger infestation, the exterminator may need to use a chemical or biological pesticide.

Failure to use the right pesticide or use the pesticide correctly could pose a safety hazard, destroy plant life, or harm other outdoor living creatures. These risks make professional pest control the best choice for homeowners. Small-sized invasions may respond well to manual removal. This process involves the physical removal of the bugs. You may also need to protect plants with netting or another barrier.

The pest control expert may also recommend an integrated pest management approach. This could include the use of a pesticide along with preventative measures. Without an adequate water supply, the ground and grass may dry enough to stop adult females from laying eggs underground. If the pests do lay eggs, disrupting the soil can stop egg and larval growth.

If you don't like the idea of a chemical pesticide, biological controls include fungi, some types of parasites, and nematodes.

Does your yard have Japanese beetles? Contact Paffy's Pest Control for more information.