Japanese Beetles: One Of The World’s Most Destructive Pests

Did you know that one of the most destructive pests found in the eastern US is the Japanese beetle? This type of beetle actually damages the urban landscape plants more than any other pest found in the area. The beetles were originally discovered in the year 1916 after being introduced to New Jersey by accident. Before that, this insect was seen only in Japan where it was not considered to be a major pest.

The eastern US provided a perfect home for the Japanese beetles. The insects thrived in the area’s favorable climate, the large areas of turf and pasture grass, the hundreds of species of plants they could feed on, and their lack of natural enemies. The beetles rapidly increased their numbers and extended their population to the north in Ontario and Minnesota, west to Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas and south to Georgia and Alabama.

The first Japanese beetles found in Kentucky were discovered on the southern boundaries of Louisville in 1937. Insecticides were initially used to delay the spreading of the pests but this did not stop their increase. The beetle population in Kentucky continued to soar during the 1950s and 1960s and went on to reach the surrounding states. Today, Japanese beetles infest almost every state in the US.

Control

It is important to note that both the adults and the larvae can cause considerable damage. Also, since these beetles are capable of flying to other areas, it may be difficult to control one particular life stage unless you use a product like Wondercide EcoTreat, which treats both soil and foliage. Here are some options for managing the infestation of Japanese beetles:

• Plant Selection – The key to avoiding battles with these beetles is the careful selection of plants to add to your garden. Some plants are particularly prone to attacks from these insects. These include roses, grapes, lindens, sassafras, and others.

• Physical Removal – The presence of beetles on a plant attracts more beetles. Thus, removing beetles by hand may discourage these insects to accumulate further. One effective way to remove Japanese beetles from small plants is to shake them off early in the morning when they are still sluggish. The beetles may then be killed by spraying the leaves and soil with EcoTreat on a 3 day, then once a month cycle.

• Chemical Control – Several insecticides in the market are made for use against adult Japanese beetles, though few are effective and safe to use around children and pets. It is important to read and follow the label directions and to avoid spraying under windy conditions if you chose a synthetic chemical pesticide over an organic pesticide.

• Japanese Beetle Traps – Japanese beetle traps are available in many garden centers. These traps use two types of bait. One mimics the scent of virgin female beetles which is highly attractive to males. The other bait imitates the aroma of sweet smelling food which attracts both sexes. However, research conducted at the University of Kentucky showed that the use of these traps do more harm than good since the beetles tend to damage the plants along the vicinity of the traps. It is best therefore to place these traps away from gardens and landscape plants to avoid further destruction and treat the entire property on a routine basis with natural pest control like Wondercide EcoTreat to maintain control.