Japanese Beetles

 

grub cycle
grubs in turf

The Japanese Beetle, native to Japan, was first detected in New Jersey in 1916. The adults are brilliant metallic green and 3/8" long; they normally emerge the last week of June through July. Grubs (Japanese Beetle larvae) are controlled most effectively in mid-summer to early fall when they have recently hatched and are feeding closer to the surface. They can be controlled by handpicking, planting non-attracting plants, trapping, biological controls, or insecticide spray. We have solutions:

OPTION 1:  Biological Control Using Bacteria
• Bacterial Milky Disease = Bacillus popilliae Dutky
• “Milky Spore” = granular pellets containing bacteria
• 2-3 year process for ultimate effectiveness

OPTION 2: Biological Control Using Pathogenic Nematodes
• Parasitic Nematodes = Steinernema carpocapsae
• “Biosafe”, “Biovector”, “Exhibit” (names of products)
• Apply when grubs are small

OPTION 3: Chemical Controls Using Insecticides
• Spray to control adults in summer
• Specific control = Bonide's “Japanese Beetle Spray”
• General control = “Sevin” (powerful insecticide, kills bees)
• Grub control = Halofenozide powder/granule applied to entire lawn

OPTION 4: Chemical Control Using Pheremone-scented Discs
• Bag A Bug = rose scented disc attracts Japanese Beetles to bag trap
• Environmentally friendly

For more information, visit ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2504.html.