Adult Japanese beetles are beginning to emerge from the soil which will result in damage to many different trees, ornamental, fruit, and even field crops beginning in June and continuing until August in Missouri.
According to a news release from MU Extension in Howard County, the Japanese beetle is an invasive insect, recently establishing population growth in Missouri and will continue to disperse throughout the state. Beneficial biological pathogens and agents will eventually slow these expanding populations, but residents should be aware of the damage the insects can cause and how to prevent it.
Adult Japanese beetles often gather in high numbers on host plants typically feeding on roses and Linden trees at first, and then damage the foliage and fruit of over 400 flower, shrub, and tree species. The adult beetles are approximately one-half inch in length with a metallic green in color shell and bronze or copper colored wings. The insect’s feeding damage is often observed as a lace-like pattern of a host plant.
Residents can purchase several over-the-counter and commercial insecticides which are labeled for adult and larval (white grub) Japanese beetles, as well as traps specifically made for the beetles. A common mistake is to place those traps near plants in need of protection, but it has a pheromone attractant and placement away from the plant is the best option. Also, residents should be aware the traps fill quickly and need to be monitored. Disposal of the traps is sometimes an odoriferous process.
For more information, call the MU Extension Office at (660)-248-2272 or visit extension.missouri.edu.