Both as adults and as grubs (the larval stage) Japanese beetles are destructive plant pests. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops. Adults leave behind skeletonized leaves and large irregular holes in leaves. The grubs develop in the soil feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses and often destroying turf in lawns parks, golf courses, and pastures.
Today the Japanese beetles are the most widespread turf-grass pests in the United States. The Japanese Beetles are MIGRATORY.
The adult Japanese beetle is a little less than ½ inch long and has a shiny, metallic-green body with bronze colored outer wings. The beetle has six small tufts of white hair along the sides and back of its body under the edges of its wings.
The males usually are slightly smaller than the females. You are most likely to see the adults in late spring or early summer.
The Japanese Beetle grub can be erradicated through our Lawn Care Program. By applying 1 application in July of a granular grub control (which last for 1 year) this will take care of any new Japanese Beetles from hatching in your lawn in the spring of the following year. Helping to eliminate the beetles.
Communication can be a valuable tool in controlling the Japanese beetle. Talk to your neighbors about controlling this pest, because it will go from house to house. Just because you treat your lawn (with a granular) doesn't mean they won't come back if your neighbor has them.
For heavy infestations, we recommend 2 insect sprays of your trees and shrubs. We keep in close contact with the customer under these circumstances.
For more information on Insects and Diseases, check out The Missouri University Extention website.
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