Identify and Help Manage Invasive Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles may look pretty, but they can cause immense damage to plants throughout your yard. Commonly found throughout the eastern states and a few areas in the west, Japanese beetles are an invasive insect that were first spotted in the US in New Jersey in 1916. If you’ve noticed leaves with large holes or groups of beetles swarming plants on sunny days, you may be dealing with an infestation. Learn how to get rid of Japanese beetles and protect your property from damage.

But first, let’s make sure you have Japanese beetles in your yard instead of common doppelgangers.

Japanese Beetle Lookalikes

There are several beetles similar to Japanese beetles, including​:

• False Japanese beetle (Strigoderma arbicola)
• Six-spotted tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)
• Oriental beetles (Anomala orientalis)
• Masked chafers (multiple Cyclocephala species)
• May or June beetles (multiple Melolonthinae species)
• Hairy bear beetle (Paracotalpa granicollis)
• Green fruit beetle (Cotinis mutabilis)

Of all these lookalikes, false Japanese beetles resemble Japanese beetles the most.

Japanese Beetle vs. False Japanese Beetle​

These two beetles are similar in shape, color (green and bronze), size, and feeding habits. So, what does a Japanese beetle look like in comparison? Japanese beetles are much brighter and more metallic on their entire bodies, and they have white spots (tufts of hair) around the perimeter of their backs; false Japanese beetles may have a slight sheen on their abdomen but are duller, with no spots.

Ladybug vs. Japanese Beetle

While both are beetles, ladybugs and Japanese beetles look and behave very differently. Those who confuse the two might actually be thinking that Asian lady beetles (which are related to ladybugs and look similar) are called Japanese beetles. True Japanese beetles are elongated and metallic-green with bronze wings and a perimeter of white spots. Ladybugs are round and red or orange with black spots.

Ladybugs are beneficial insects that feed on aphids and other garden pests; they do not feed on plants. Japanese beetles feed on more than 300 species of plants during multiple life stages. Some of their favorite foods are apple trees, grape vines, vegetable plants and many flowering plants like rose bushes. Japanese beetle larvae live underground and feed on plant roots.

Read more: Tips to Stop a Ladybug Infestation

Signs of a Japanese Beetle Infestation

You’ll know you’re dealing with Japanese beetles if you spot these signs of Japanese beetle damage or other visual cues:

• Skeletonized and lacy foliage. Japanese beetles feed between the veins of leaves, leaving them with a skeletal appearance.
• Clusters of beetles. They can most often be found feeding in groups on warm, sunny days.
• Increased grub-eating animals. Skunks, moles, and birds may be more drawn to your property if there are Japanese beetle grubs in the ground.
• Brown patches in the lawn. Discolored and spongy spots that lift a bit when tugged can be a sign of Japanese beetle larvae damage, as they feed on roots.

How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles

If you have a Japanese beetle infestation in your yard, try one of these methods to remove the pest:

Handpicking and Soapy Water

In the early morning when they are sluggish, handpick or knock groups of Japanese beetles into a bucket of soapy water, which will kill Japanese beetles.

Do Japanese beetles bite when you pick them off plants? No, you don’t have to worry about a beetle bite. Their mandibles are not strong enough to break through skin.

Neem Oil Spray

Neem oil and Japanese beetles don’t mix. Neem oil is a natural product that disrupts the beetles and can deter them from feeding. Spray plants every few days during the late spring and summer to get rid of existing beetles and help prevent future infestations.

Professional Japanese Beetle Spray

Professional spray services will help kill Japanese beetles and continue to deter them following service. Mosquito Squad Plus^® offers a barrier treatment spray service that kills most Japanese beetles on contact and discourages future pests from your property for another 21 days. Our pros skillfully target areas where Japanese beetles are likely to cluster and breed. 

Milky Spore Powder

To target the beetles at their larval stage, spread milky spore powder around your lawn. This natural grub control method uses microscopic bacteria to kill Japanese beetle grubs. Milky spore bacteria grow each year and are usually most effective after three years of application. Pair this method with professional treatment to target adult beetles and larvae in the ground.

Tip: Avoid Japanese Beetle Traps

While they may seem like a good idea, beetle traps often attract more Japanese beetles than they catch, as they lure them with pheromones and floral scents.

Protect Your Property with Effective Japanese Beetle Control

When Japanese beetles find a good area to feast, they can quickly take over and make a once beautiful landscape lackluster. Discover how your local Squad^® can help you manage Japanese beetle populations when you call (877) 332-2239 or request a cost-free quote online.