Japanese Beetles: Identification and Integrated Management

Metallic green head and copper wing covers make this beetle easy to recognize. It devours rose-family members, marigold, zinnia, most vegetables. Small grayish-white grubs feed on roots, especially troublesome in lawns. Most common east of the Mississippi, but found in Southern California.

Management

Till soil in fall to expose grubs to birds. Keep floating row covers on vegetables. Handpick adults. Drench lawns with parasitic nematodes or milky spore disease (Bacillus popilliae and B. lentimorbus); may need to treat extensive areas including neighboring lawns. Pyrethrin may control adults.

Chemical controls: acephate, carbaryl (adults); diazinon (grubs in lawns).