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Japanese Beetles are BACK, and we can help!

7/3/2018

39 Comments

 

Background

Japanese beetles are a fairly new pest to Omaha, but they're been in the U.S. since as early as the 1920s. This iridescent copper and green beetle feeds on over 200 species of plants and trees, though are most commonly found in Nebraska on lindens, birches, elms, fruiting trees, roses, and buckthorns. Rarely will the feeding kill a tree (unless it’s young or already stressed), however it’s a major aesthetic issue, and repeated years of heavy feeding does reduce the plants’ energy reserves, setting it up for decline down the road.
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Life Cycle

The beetles spend most of their lives as grubs in the soil. Adult beetles emerge in late June to early July, and begin feeding at the tops of trees. These early feeding beetles emit pheromones as they munch on the leaves, causing others to congregate. As they feed, they move down the tree, causing the leaves to be ‘skeletonized’, leaving just the veins behind. These lacy leaves then commonly drop from the tree, making it look like fall has arrived in the middle of summer.
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When not preoccupied with feeding, the beetles find time to mate and lay eggs (what a life!). Eggs are laid near the soil surface, and the newly hatched larvae tunnel in late summer to overwinter in the soil until the next season. While the adults feed solely on trees and shrubs, the larvae feed on grass roots and can cause problems for the turf. Brown patches in the yard that easily pull up are a sign of grub issues. On top of that, it’s not uncommon for animals such as skunks, opossums, and raccoons to dig in the yard for a tasty treat.
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Control

On a positive note, Japanese beetles can be controlled to minimize damage. If you’ve had issues with grubs killing the lawn, you or your lawn company should put down a granular insecticide early in the spring to help kill grubs. Most professional lawn services have this built into their maintenance program. This can help your lawn but won’t do much for your trees, as the beetles will still fly in from neighboring sites. 

Treatment for trees is best done preventatively using systemic insecticides placed in the soil that travel up through the roots and into the leaf tissue, thus killing the beetles as they feed. It's important to note that none of these treatments act as repellants. The beetles must feed on the leaves in order to die. The timing and chemical required depend on the type of tree or plant.  Birches, elms, buckthorns, and other non-flowering trees and shrubs can be treated with imidacloprid in the spring once a year, at least a month prior to beetle emergence. This product is not registered for flowering trees, however, as it has been associated with the decline in pollinator populations. For lindens and fruit trees, acephate can be injected in the soil at the time of beetle emergence, which can provide 4-6 weeks of control. For last minute applications when systemic insecticides will be too slow to be effective, foliar sprays will be effective. Sprays with bifenthrin or permethrin will provide two weeks of control, and will need to be repeated until mid-to-late August when the beetles stop feeding. (Yes, Arbor Aesthetics offers all of these treatment options!)
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Traps: Are they effective?

A common question is whether or not to use pheromone traps in the yard. The short answer is NO. Don’t do it. Studies have shown the traps bring in more beetles than they catch, and will draw in beetles in from an even larger area.

Dylan Willis, Plant Healthcare Specialist
B.S. Forest Science
ISA Certified Arborist​
39 Comments
John D link
7/6/2018 08:14:16 pm

My grandmother always had trouble with Japanese beatles eating her rose bushes. She would put out traps, but it never seemed to help. I wish I had known the ineffectiveness of pheromone traps and could have told her to avoid using them. Thanks for the hepful advice!

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Tree service link
7/11/2018 06:37:51 pm

This is a great article! I know this is in Omaha but I wonder if they are in Arkansas this sounds very familiar to what is happening to my fathers plants and trees!

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Scott Corey
8/4/2018 12:32:47 pm

Any suggestions on ways to keep these beetles from snacking on strawberry plants and other garden items?

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Tom Sanchez link
11/15/2018 04:51:51 pm

These things are a real pain. Whatever you try, do use those yellow bags with the pheromones - they just attract even more beetles.

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Branch link
11/17/2018 12:10:38 pm

Agree, those yellow bags/pheromones actually make the problem much worse. Yes, you will catch and kill quite a few beetles, but you will also attract way more beetles that you would have otherwise.

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Tiffany | Napa Tree Services link
11/26/2018 11:29:12 pm

Wow I haven't seen those in California, but this is some good information to know. Seems like these can Japanese beetles be a real pain.

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Kalon Goodrich link
12/3/2018 05:34:42 am

Very helpful information for keeping our trees healthy, and our people safe. Thank you for sharing!

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J.D. link
2/5/2019 07:59:58 pm

Definitely don't look forward to seeing these little creatures every year. Here in the south, the armadillos will tear up your yard looking for the grubs. Good read, thanks for sharing.

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8/22/2019 03:34:45 am

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Tree Service Jefferson County link
10/2/2019 06:00:31 pm

This bugs are pest. It needs to be killed when the moment it comes in your garden. Well, this article explain how to get rid of it. Thanks for sharing this.

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Tree Service link
10/23/2019 02:11:13 pm

Very helpful information for keeping our trees healthy, and our people safe. Thanks for sharing it!

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Tree Service link
10/23/2019 02:12:20 pm

Very helpful information for keeping our trees healthy, and our people safe. Thanks for sharing this

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Tree Service link
10/23/2019 02:13:25 pm

Very helpful information for keeping our trees healthy, and our people safe. Thanks

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Tree Service link
10/23/2019 02:14:03 pm

Thanks for sharing!

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10/23/2019 02:15:28 pm

Thanks, awesome content

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Carpet Cleaning link
10/23/2019 02:16:12 pm

Thanks, this is superb!

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Tree Services link
11/15/2019 07:12:13 pm

Wow, thank you! old but gold about maintaining the health of our trees.

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Demolition Residential Downers link
11/19/2019 09:57:28 pm

Very useful and delightful information! You light up my day.

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Carpet Cleaners Grand Rapids MI link
12/4/2019 08:41:40 pm

Those little suckers are killing my blackberry bushes and rose bushes

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Appliance Repair Cape Town link
12/5/2019 01:25:21 am

I remember growing up, my family and I used to go outside and flick hundreds of these off the roses weekly

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Jumping Castle Rental link
12/5/2019 09:01:57 am

I may try this the Japanese beetles are eating my cabbage like there's no tomorrow

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12/5/2019 10:11:57 am

My garden has been suffering from Japanese beetles infestation for 4 years.

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12/12/2019 11:26:43 pm

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Tree Pipp link
5/27/2020 07:12:17 pm

This was a great, very informative article. Will most certainly be using this info on insecticides to kill these beetles.Good stuff!

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emergency tree removal link
12/5/2020 02:53:56 pm

Wow, interesting how much these little guys can do!

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Nathan link
12/5/2020 02:56:04 pm

These beetles are a terror! We hate dealing with them but its part of the job i guess!

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7/22/2021 06:42:38 pm

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8/21/2022 08:40:38 pm

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Arbor Aesthetics Tree Service
6724 Irvington Rd, Omaha, NE 68122
402-408-5600
info@arboraesthetics.com
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