Japanese Beetles

Symptoms

Beetle damage looks like little holes all over the leaves. This damage typically arrives in late June when the grubs turn to their adult form of beetles. These beetles can sometimes defoliate a tree in 3-4 days.

What Will Happen To My Landscape?

Left untreated, beetles can severely defoliate a tree or shrub, which cuts back on the plant’s ability to generate food for itself. Beetles will continue to feed all season long. Also, once the beetles have mated, they will lay their eggs and will turn into grubs and begin to feed on your lawn.

What Can I Do About Beetles?

Beetle bags lure beetles away from the landscape using the females’ scent. Beware; beetle bags can attract your neighbors’ beetles to your landscape. A combination of cultural and chemical control is often required to control beetles. Most local hardware stores carry insecticides that will control Japanese and other beetles. Because these sprays can cause injury to certain plants, read the label thoroughly before using and apply according to the directions. Depending on the severity of the damage, more than one insecticide application may be required for complete control. Combating beetles can be a timely and unpleasant weekend task!

How Can Natural Way Help?

Prevention is the key in controlling beetles. Here at Natural Way we have certified professionals who are used to preventing and controlling insects like beetles. Our 6 Point Protection Program will provide several critically timed sprays to the landscape that will help control beetles, extend the life of the landscape and minimize overall damage.

Even though beetles will not generally kill a plant by themselves, it will severely stress a tree if completely defoliated, causing a decline of branches. The plant or tree can become more susceptible to other problems and its appearance will be unsightly.