image3Unlike the Beatles rock invasion of the 1960’s … these Japanese Beetles will destroy your trees, shrubs, gardens and lawns. That’s why you need to keep an eye out for these invasive pests. Accidentally imported to the United States in the early 1900’s, these ravenous inscets had no natural enemies here and soon spread across the US. Not known for being picky eaters, Japanese Beetles are classified as pests to hundreds of different plant species. These beetles are found in most states east of the Mississippi and in the Midwest.

Japanese Beetles live their lives in two distinct phases – which leaves us with two distinct types of destruction they leave behind. The adult beetles are a 1/2–inch long with a blue-green metallic looking head and coppery colored wings. Feeding in groups, the adult beetles feed on the flowers and leaves of over 300 species of plants, often leaving little behind. In our area of the country the hardest hit are the Linden trees, Birch trees, Sand Cherry and Buckthorn shrubs, as well as roses.

During June the adult beetles lay eggs in the soil that then hatch. The tiny white grubs, with brown heads and six legs, are about ¾ of an inch long and feed on the roots of lawns and gardens. Lawns suffering from Japanese Beetle grubs will show irregularly shaped patches of dead, dying or wilted grass. Fortunately, a simple lawn application of insecticide will rid your lawn of the Japanese grubs and common grub worms (Masked Chafer Beetle larvae).

We can help you get rid of Japanese Beetles that have infested your trees or shrubs. Simply give Eden Tree Pros a call and have one of our certified arborists give your trees a thorough assessment and a FREE Estimate on what treatment or program will protect your trees and keep them looking beautiful year round. Call Eden Tree Pros today at 402-332-2839 or contact us for a free estimate.