What Everyone Should Know About The Japanese Beetle

Natural Pest Control Methods

The Japanese beetle is a garden pest that a lot of people have come across but no very little about. This little bug is no more the 1.5cm in length and about 1cm in width so they can be hard to spot in some cases.This cute beetle is generally recognized by the colors on the top of the head and the thorax. The shiny green color is not hard to spot and the elytra, which is copper in color, is a sight for the eyes as well.

In Japan, this garden pest is nothing to worry about as its natural enemies control it. They have become a problem in America though as it can destroy rose bushes, crape myrtles, grapes, and all sorts of other plants.

Without the natural enemies the insect has in its homeland, they are flourishing in America and destroying our plants. For the serious gardener this is a problem that is not taken lightly.

Even though one would think upon first glance that this insect cannot cause too much damage, but in its short life span, a lot of plant damage can be done.

In most areas of the United States, the beetle from Japan will live for about one year. If it is located in cooler temperatures then it may be able to live up to two years just as it would in its homeland.

Though the United States has always seemed to be bothered with some sort of bug that destroys the plants of farmers and gardeners, the Japanese beetle did not arrive to this country until around the year 1912.

It wasn't actually until 1916 that the colorful beetle was first discovered in a nursery located near Riverton, New Jersey. It is believed that back in 1912 the beetle larvae came into the States by hitching a ride with a shipment of Iris bulbs.

Since then there have been many attempts to control, if not completely get rid of the beetle. But there has been little success to date. In the meantime, farmers and gardeners have to face the unsightly mess that is left behind by this garden pest.

The transparent leaf look is what is left in their path. This is because the beetle eats the surface material on the leaf, which leaves the leaf veins in place.

If you are not someone that does a lot of planting then the beetle may be of no alarm to you. They are colorful and quiet but rip apart plants as though there is no tomorrow.

MORE GARDEN PESTS

Japanese Beetle Killer RTU - 32 oz. Japanese Beetle Killer Ready to Use spray uses natural Pyrethrum to easily and efficiantly kill Japanese Beetles. Due to changes in shipping regulations, we cannot ship this item to California.