The first Japanese beetles of the year were captured June 8 in West Lafayette. Emergence is now in full swing.
This imported pest is common east of the Mississippi river and in the Mississippi river valley. Adults feed on more than 400 plant species including many common ornamental plants. The soil-dwelling larvae (grubs) feed on or may otherwise damage a variety of plant roots including those of ornamental trees, shrubs, and turfgrasses.
For more information about the biology and management of this insect, visit the following Purdue Extension Entomology links.
Japanese Beetles in the Urban Landscape, http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-75.pdf
Turfgrass Insect Management, http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/publications/E-61.pdf
Doug Richmond, Turf Entomologist
Follow Dr. Richmond on twitter @doctorDRich
