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Japanese Beetles. If you aren't already familiar with them, you've probably at least heard of them. These pesky bugs can destroy a garden, so we want to make sure and cover this topic to help you battle these popular garden pests. We want to talk about what they are, how to identify them, where they live, when they emerge, what they eat, how to prevent them, and what to do if they invade your garden. With the knowledge and tools we give you here, you can keep Japanese beetles away!
What Are Japanese Beetles?
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are invasive pests originally from Japan. They were first discovered in the United States in 1916 and have since spread across many parts of the country, including Kentucky, where The Bloomery . These beetles are known for their voracious appetite and ability to cause significant damage to a wide variety of plants.
What Do They Look Like?
Japanese beetles are relatively easy to identify. Here's what to look for:
Size: About 1/2 inch in length.
Color: They have a metallic green body with shiny, copper-brown wing covers.
Distinctive Features: Look for five small white tufts of hair along each side of their abdomen.
Where Can You Find Them?
Japanese beetles prefer warm, sunny areas and are commonly found in gardens, parks, and golf courses. They thrive in well-maintained lawns and gardens, where they can easily find food and lay their eggs.
When Can You Expect to See Them?
Japanese beetles typically emerge in late June to early July and remain active for about 4-6 weeks. During this time, they feed, mate, and lay eggs in the soil.
What Do They Eat?
These beetles are not picky eaters and can feed on over 300 species of plants. This is what makes them so destructive to a garden. Some of their favorite plants include:
Roses
Grapevines
Linden trees
Birch trees
Apple, cherry, and plum trees
Various vegetable crops
They skeletonize leaves, leaving only the veins intact, which can significantly weaken and even kill plants if the infestation is severe.
How to Prevent Japanese Beetles
Prevention is key when it comes to managing Japanese beetles. Here are some strategies to keep them out of your garden:
1. Plant Selection: Choose plants that are less attractive to Japanese beetles. Some resistant plants include dogwoods, magnolias, and boxwoods.
2. Healthy Soil: Maintain healthy soil to support robust plant growth, making them less vulnerable to pests.
3. Companion Planting: Use plants that repel Japanese beetles, such as garlic, chives, and catnip.
4. Physical Barriers: Use row covers to protect young plants during peak beetle activity.
5. Regular Monitoring: Check your plants regularly for signs of Japanese beetles and act quickly if you spot any.
How to Treat Your Garden If They Show Up
If Japanese beetles have already invaded your garden, don’t worry. Here are some effective treatment methods:
1. Handpicking: Remove beetles by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. This is most effective in the early morning when beetles are sluggish.
2. Neem Oil: Spray neem oil on affected plants. It acts as a deterrent and can reduce beetle feeding.
3. Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap to kill beetles on contact. Be sure to follow the product instructions.
4. Milky Spore Disease: Apply milky spore powder to your lawn to target Japanese beetle grubs in the soil. This can provide long-term control but may take a few years to become fully effective.
5. Traps: Use Japanese beetle traps strategically. Place them away from your garden to lure beetles away from your plants.
Protecting your garden from Japanese beetles requires vigilance and proactive measures. At The Bloomery, we offer a wide range of products and expert advice to help you keep your garden thriving.
Visit us on social media, Pinterest, and subscribe to our newsletter today to learn more about things like preventing and treating Japanese beetle infestations, and let us help you create a beautiful garden you can be proud of!
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