Japanese Beetles

JAPANESE BEETLE IDENTIFICATION

As their name suggests, Japanese beetles originated in Asia. Without natural predators in the United States, they're expanding their range each year. Adult Japanese beetles grow about 1/2 inch long. Their metallic green bodies bear metallic bronze wing covers. A row of distinctive tiny white hair tufts line their sides and rears.

Japanese beetles are especially troublesome because they damage lawns and plants extensively in both their adult and larval state. Their gray-white larvae, known as grubs, grow about 1 inch long and curl into a "C" when disturbed.

SIGNS OF JAPANESE BEETLES

Japanese beetles typically congregate in sunny, well-irrigated areas. No plant or plant part seems safe. The adults feast on the plant leaves, buds, flowers and fruit of hundreds of plant species. Leaf damage is very recognizable; only the veins remain on the skeletonized leaves.

Damage from Japanese beetle larvae shows up as large patches of wilting, brown lawn grass in late summer and early fall. The larvae sever roots as they feed. The spongy turf they leave behind feels like a loose rug beneath your feet.

HOW TO CONTROL JAPANESE BEETLES

If you have had Japanese beetle infestations in previous years, be proactive. Don't wait to treat until you see them again. Effective control of these voracious pests requires killing the beetles you see and the grubs you don't see yet. Amdro® brand products allow you to treat both life stages effectively, and protect your lawn and landscape from new Japanese beetles that fly in:

• Amdro Quick Kill® Outdoor Insect Killer Ready to Spray works in minutes to kill Japanese beetles by contact. Then it keeps working for up to three months. Attach the container of concentrated liquid to a regular garden hose and it handles the measuring and mixing for you. Spray all lawn and plant surfaces thoroughly.
• Amdro Quick Kill Outdoor Insect Killer Concentrate comes with a convenient measuring cap so you get just the right amount. Dilute the product according to label instructions and apply with a regular lawn and garden sprayer. It starts working by contact to kill Japanese beetles and protect your lawn and plants for up to three months.
• Amdro Quick Kill Lawn Insect Killer Granules II kills adult beetles and their grub larvae within 24 hours. Apply the ready-to-use granules with a standard lawn spreader, then lightly water the area. The soil-penetrating formula reaches Japanese beetles and their grubs and keeps working for up to three months.

JAPANESE BEETLE CONTROL TIPS

Immature Japanese beetles spend winter as underground grubs. They emerge as adult beetles in late spring to midsummer to feed and lay eggs. Early treatments hit grubs and adults to prevent new generations of grub and beetle destruction.

Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully.
Amdro and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.