Japanese Beetles and Grubs
The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) is a highly destructive plant pest of foreign origin. It was first found in the
Both as adults and as grubs (the larval stage), Japanese beetles are destructive plant pests. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops. Adults usually feed in groups, starting at the top of a plant and work downward, with a preference for plants exposed to direct sunlight. A single beetle does not eat much; it is group feeding by many beetles that causes the severe damage. Adults feed on the upper surface of foliage, chewing out tissues between the veins. This gives the leaf a characteristic skeletonized appearance. They tend to do little feeding on thick, tough leaves.
The grubs develop in the soil, feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses and often destroying turf in lawns, parks, golf courses, and pastures.
The spread of the Japanese beetle infestation is primarily the result of flight by the adults. They can fly as far as five miles, but one to two miles is more likely. Usually, they make only short flights as they move about to feed. Local infestations spread as beetles move to favored food and suitable sites for egg laying.
Control Products
Control Methods for the Grub Stage of the Japanese Beetle
GrubEx® will provide residual white grub control for four months or longer in turf.
Japanese Beetle Traps
Sevin is one of the most effective and recommended insecticides to use for control of damaging, adult Japanese beetles. Sevin is also very effective in the control of ticks that transmit Lyme disease.
Sevin has a dual mode-of-action — it works on contact and through ingestion. Sevin is non-systemic, which means it does not penetrate plant tissue — it stays on the outside. After controlling the targeted pest, Sevin is easily broken down in the environment.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!
Milky Spore--Milky spore is the common name for spores of the bacterium Bacillus popillae. This bacterium was first registered for use on turf in suppression of the Japanese beetle grub in the
Upon ingestion, these spores germinate in the grub's gut, infect the gut cells, and enter the blood, where they multiply. The buildup of the spores in the blood causes the grub to take on a characteristic milky appearance.
Milky spore disease builds up in turf slowly (over 2-4 years) as grubs ingest the spores, become infected, and die, each releasing 1-2 billion spores back into the soil. Milky spore disease can suppress the development of large beetle populations.
Chemical:
Scotts® GrubEx® Season-Long Grub Killer
Kills grubs before they damage your lawn.
Just one application protects from grubs all season long.
Mowing your lawn before applying GrubEx will help the granules reach the soil faster.
It is not necessary to water-in immediately after application. For best results water thoroughly within 24 hours to activate GrubEx and to allow to reach the grubs. (For best results under drought conditions, it is recommended to water in GrubEx.)
For best results, keep children and pets off of treated area until product has been watered in per instructions and foliage is dry to avoid disturbing particles.
GrubEx® works best when applied in June through July. GrubEx® is most effective when applied prior to, or just after, egg lay. In most cases, adult emergence occurs in early summer, often after significant rainfall or irrigation, followed by mating and egg laying. This usually continues for four to six weeks. Under normal circumstances.
This product does not interfere with the performance of other lawn products such as fertilizers, weed controls and insect controls.
GrubEx® provides preventive or early curative treatment for white grubs, including larvae of Japanese beetle, Northern and Southern masked chafers, May/June beetle, black turfgrass Ataenius, green June beetle, annual bluegrass weevil, billbugs, Aphodius beetle, European chafer and Oriental beetle.
Safer® Brand Japanese Beetle Traps
Uses patented Biolure® controlled release pheromone system to lure insects into the trap and disrupt the mating cycle. Controlled release system maximizes the useful life of the pheromone and protects the pheromone from the environment. Ready-to-use includes trap, bait, and bag.
**Place traps on the generally upwind side of vegetable gardens, flower gardens, ornamental shrub plantings and other outside landscape plantings attacked by the beetles.
**Hang traps from any suitable post or stand in sunny areas 3 to 5 feet above the ground.
**Place traps at least 30 feet away from the plantings as they may attract beetles to the foliage if placed closer.