Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles skeletonize foliage and their grubs feed on turfgrass roots.
Background & Behavior
(Popillia japonica) Native to Japan but invasive elsewhere, these metallic green beetles feed on over 300 plant species, including roses, trees, and turfgrass. Adults skeletonize leaves, while grubs feed on roots underground. Their dual-stage damage can devastate lawns and gardens. Control often requires both soil and foliage treatments.
DIY Approaches
- Handpick adult beetles in early morning and drop them into soapy water.
- Cover prized plants with floating row covers during peak feeding.
- Water lawns deeply but infrequently to discourage grub development.
- Apply milky spore powder to turf as a long-term biological control.
- Plant beetle-resistant varieties such as boxwood and dogwood.
Professional Services
- Hire lawn care companies for preventative grub control treatments.
- Request foliar sprays timed to adult emergence for ornamentals.
- Coordinate neighborhood-wide turf treatments to maximise effectiveness.
- Have arborists inject systemic insecticides into high-value trees.
- Engage horticultural consultants for multi-year Japanese beetle plans.
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