Understanding Japanese Beetles: A Gardener's Guide
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- By Klomps Home & Garden
- Posted in Japanese beetles
Japanese beetles are a prevalent annoyance in gardens and landscapes throughout North America.
These shimmering pests can rapidly strip foliage from plants, leaving them vulnerable and unattractive.
To effectively manage these insects, it’s crucial to comprehend their life cycle and favorite host plants. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know.
Understanding Japanese Beetles: A Gardener's Guide
Japanese beetles are a prevalent annoyance in gardens and landscapes throughout North America.
These shimmering pests can rapidly strip foliage from plants, leaving them vulnerable and unattractive.
To effectively manage these insects, it’s crucial to comprehend their life cycle and favorite host plants. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know.
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What are Japanese Beetles? |
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are distinctively identifiable due to their metallic green bodies and copper-brown wing covers. Measuring around 1/2 inch in length, they feature small white tufts of hair along their sides.
These adult beetles emerge in late spring or early summer and remain active for several weeks, feeding on a diverse array of plants.
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These beetles are not picky eaters and will target hundreds of different plant species. Some of their favorites include:
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Appearance:
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Life Cycle |
The Japanese beetle undergoes a one-year life cycle that consists of four stages: egg, larva (grub), pupa, and adult. Adults typically emerge from the soil in late June or early July, where they feed on plants, mate, and lay eggs underground. The larvae then hatch and consume grass roots, surviving the winter in the soil. In the following spring, they pupate before emerging as adults.
What is the best way to get rid of Japanese beetles?
The most effective strategy for eliminating Japanese beetles involves a combination of techniques, including handpicking, setting traps, and applying pyrethrin-based insecticides.
We carry a product called End-All from Safer’s.
A straightforward and effective method is to handpick beetles during the morning when they are sluggish and drop them into soapy water.
Additionally, traps can be strategically positioned to attract beetles away from your plants, while pyrethrin sprays can deter them from feeding or effectively eliminate them.
We also carry the Japanese Beetle trap kits from Safer’s
Nematodes - Understanding Lawn Grubs and the Lawn Guardian Product
Lawn grubs are the larval forms of May/June Beetles, Japanese Beetles, and European Chafers.
Lawn Guardian is a carefully formulated blend of beneficial nematodes—microscopic worms that are native to Canada. This product combines two types of nematodes: one (SF) that resides close to the surface, around 3 inches deep, and another (HB) that burrows deeper, approximately 7 inches.
NIC nematodes are sourced from isolated Canadian strains, cultivated by NIC in Ontario on a live host. They are fresher, specifically attuned to Canadian pests, and completely organic.
Application Timing
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Spring (May): When soil temperatures reach 10°C (50°F) or higher and grubs are present, applying Lawn Guardian will prevent them from damaging your grass roots.
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Autumn (Late August to September): Applying in the fall will eliminate grubs, helping to avert damage in both the fall season and the following spring. It’s advisable to plan next year’s application for the fall.
Safety: Lawn Guardian is 100% safe for people, pets, plants, and even earthworms.
How to:
The Application of Nematodes
Prepare the Soil: Thoroughly water the soil to create a moist environment, facilitating the movement and penetration of nematodes.
Mix the Nematodes: Follow the package instructions to combine the nematodes with water. Ensure they are evenly suspended in the solution, as they tend to settle at the bottom.
Apply the Solution: Utilize a sprayer or watering can to distribute the nematode solution evenly over the affected area, focusing on spots with pest infestations.
Maintain Soil Moisture: Following the application, ensure you water the soil consistently for a minimum of two weeks. This will aid the nematodes in establishing themselves and effectively seeking out pests.
Importance of Timing: Apply nematodes when the soil temperature is within the ideal range for their activity and when pests are in their most vulnerable stages (such as young grubs). Apply in autumn (end of August to September), eliminating grubs, thus preventing fall and the following spring damage.
Stop in with any questions or concerns - our knowledgeable staff would be happy to assist you!
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