Japanese Beetle
Popillia japonica
high risk
insect
Overview
Invasive beetle from Japan devastating to gardens and landscapes. Both adults and larvae cause serious damage.
Adults 15mm, metallic green head and thorax, copper-brown wing covers, tufts of white hair along sides.
Prevention Strategies
- •Neem oil repels adults
- •Milky spore disease for grub control in lawns
- •Row covers for prized plants
- •Avoid planting highly attractive plants like roses
Control Methods
- •Hand-pick adults into soapy water (morning when sluggish)
- •Neem oil spray
- •Pyrethroid insecticides for heavy infestations
- •Milky spore bacteria for long-term grub control
- •Nematodes for grub control
Interesting Facts
- •Traps can make infestations worse by attracting more beetles
- •Hundreds of plant species are host plants
- •First found in New Jersey in 1916
- •Natural predators in Japan keep populations in check