Adult beetles in this area typically arise from the ground around the 4th of July. With beetle season in full swing, they are hungry and are likely eyeing the garden. These beetles are typically about a half an inch in length and have a shiny green color with bronze colored wings. They have been known to feed on over 200 different types of plants, but favorites include vegetables such as greens, lettuces, beans, eggplant, and peppers. They also have quite an appetite for roses, flowering shrubs, trees and just about anything with foliage.

Beetle Taste Buds

Generally, the adult Japanese beetles are active for a period of about a month, during which they feed, mate, and lay eggs. When those eggs hatch, the larva become an entirely different problem. They feed on roots and have an especially healthy taste for grass roots. Later in summer, they prefer the soil. Unfortunately, their damage doesn’t end there. If the lawn has been experiencing dead spots, chances are these hungry beetle larva are often responsible because they eat the base of the roots keeping grass from being able to get enough water.

While a single Japanese beetle won’t do enough damage to harm a plant, they often appear in great numbers, and given the right conditions, these little creatures can chew up a surprising amount of the landscaping and gardens.

How to Clear the Garden of Beetles

Looking to get rid of beetles, or keep beetle populations in check? There are a number of good options ranging from natural or chemical sprays. Both these applications can help repel the beetles and keep them from dining on prize plants and vegetables.

Systemic grub controls can be also be added to a lawn to effectively to treat the Japanese Beetle grubs before they damage the landscape. These will not only effectively prevent damage incurred from the beetles, but many other grubs and pests that can harm the lawn.

Remember that Japanese Beetles can spoil any landscaping design in both their adult form and also as larva. So treating now can help limit damage and prevent future lawn damage.

One repellent option to steer away from is the beetle traps. While they are extremely effective at drawing beetles and may appear to have great results, they can draw beetles from miles away and may enjoy a quick lunch on a favorite rose bush on their journey. While this method may lower the beetle population, it can often do more damage, not less.

With these techniques and preventative measures, Beetles will only reside on the CD player and not in the garden, just as they should be.