Learn about Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles feed on about 300 species of plants, devouring leaves, flowers, and overripe or wounded fruit. They usually feed in groups, starting at the top of a plant and working downward. The beetles are most active on warm, sunny days, and prefer plants that are in direct sunlight. A single beetle does not eat much; it is group feeding by many beetles that results in severe damage.

Description and Habits

Depositphotos 79309084 xl 2015 copy • Problem Solved Pest ControlAdult Japanese beetles are 7/16-inch long metallic green beetles with copper-brown wing covers. A row of white tufts (spots) of hair project from under the wing covers on each side of the body.

Adults emerge from the ground and begin feeding on plants in June. Activity is most intense over a 4 to 6 week period beginning in late June, after which the beetles gradually die off. Individual beetles live about 30 to 45 days.

Adults feed on the upper surface of foliage, chewing out tissue between the veins. This gives the leaf a lacelike or skeletonized appearance. Trees that have been severely injured appear to have been scorched by fire. Japanese beetles may completely consume rose petals and leaves with delicate veins. Odors emitted from beetle-damaged leaves seem to be an important factor in the aggregation of beetles on particular food plants.

Adult Japanese beetles are highly mobile and can infest new areas from several miles away. Usually, however, they make only short flights as they move about to feed or lay eggs.

Japanese Beetle Life Cycle

Egg laying begins soon after the adults emerge from the ground and mate. Females leave plants in the afternoon, burrow 2 to 3 inches into the soil in a suitable area, and lay their eggs–a total of 40 to 60 during their life. The developing beetles spend the next 10 months in the soil as white grubs. The grubs grow quickly and by late August are almost full-sized (about 1 inch long). Grubs feed on the roots of turfgrasses and vegetable seedlings, doing best in good quality turf in home lawns, golf courses, parks, and cemeteries. However, they can survive in almost any soil in which plants can live.

Florida Pest Control & Lawn Care Company

Problem Solved Pest Control is a second generation, locally owned and operated pest control company. We provide excellent pest control and lawn care service in Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties, Problem Solved Pest Control’s mission is to be the leader in quality service, treat our customers and employees with trust and honesty, and ultimately be recognized as the best pest control company in southwest Florida, from Sarasota to Fort Myers, Florida.

With nearly 30 years of combined pest control experience, the owner and technicians at Problem Solved Pest Control make it our business to ensure your satisfaction. If you have bugs in your home, lawn or shrubs, need lawn fertilization or weed control, need fertilization for your shrubs or palms give us a call and problem solved.

Free Pest & Lawn Analysis

The services we offer are not only efficient, but also very prompt. With Problem Solved’s programs of pest control, Sarasota County property owners can benefit from round-the-clock services, including Saturdays, so if you notice any insects, bugs or rodents on your property, don’t hesitate: call us and we will schedule an inspection within 24 hours.

With our quick, efficient and modern pest control and lawn care services, Sarasota homes and offices can become pest-free and stay pest-free; if you see unwanted creatures on your property, contact us – help is just a phone call away!