Japanese beetles are destroying plants all around the Durham Region!
This particular beetle thrives in hot and sunny weather so this July has been a perfect combination for this insect to survive and flourish.
In the beginning: These beetles start off as lawn grubs and feast on the roots of lawn grasses and garden plants. According to Health Canada, they are one of the more difficult lawn pests to deal with.
A clear indication of lawn grubs would be dark brown patches that can be easily lifted due to the weakened roots.
Matured Beetles: Once grown, the Japanese beetle will find it’s source of food from nearly 300 different kinds of plants. They are particularly known to feast on roses, beans, grapes and raspberries.
These beetles can consume most of the foliage on plants as well as flowers. If you can see “skeleton” leaves on your trees/plants (i.e., only the leaf veins are remaining), it is a tell-tale sign of Japanese beetles. These beetles don’t generally stray far from their food source so inspect all of your plants thoroughly. TIP: Look on the ground under the perishing plant/tree as well. These beetles will instinctively drop to the drop if they feel threatened.
Pest Control: The most effective way to get rid of the Japanese beetle is to hand pick them off of plants. It is obviously the most time consuming, but it will work, especially if you are super attentive to the entire surrounding. Once picked off, you can put them in a solution of 1 Tablespoon of dish washing detergent and water which will cause them to drown. TIP: Lay a drop cloth under the tree/plant in the morning (when they are most active) and shake the foliage to have the beetles drop onto the cloth.
There are commercial oils, insecticides, sprays and traps specifically for the Japanese beetle, but they are far less effective at removing this pest. Picking them off is unfortunately the only ‘fool-proof’ way to rid yourself of these pests.
WARNING/SIDE NOTE: Many dusts and sprays out there are super toxic to honeybees and other pollinators. Please give us a call should you have any questions before the use of any sort of toxic materials.