Overview
An invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
- Type
- Insect
- Severity
- MODERATE
- Source
- iNaturalist
Symptoms
Skeletonized leaves with only veins remaining, metallic green and copper beetles feeding in groups, brown patches in lawn from grub damage, defoliation progressing from top of canopy downward
Affected Species
Geographic Spread
Treatments
Hand-Picking and Trapping
Physical removal of adult beetles from plants into soapy water. Commercial traps are available but may attract more beetles to the area than they catch.
Grub Control with Milky Spore
Application of Paenibacillus popilliae (milky spore disease) to turf to kill overwintering grub larvae. Takes 2-3 years to establish but provides long-term control for 10+ years.
Neonicotinoid Soil Application
Systemic insecticide (imidacloprid or clothianidin) applied to soil around high-value plants. Provides season-long protection against adult feeding. Avoid use on pollinator-attractive plants during bloom.
Recommended Products & Tools
Helpful supplies for managing Japanese Beetle. Always read and follow label directions, and confirm a diagnosis before treating.
Deters feeding; reapply after rain. Skip pheromone traps.
Knocks down soft-bodied pests like aphids, mites, and scale crawlers.
Smothers overwintering eggs and crawlers; dormant or summer rates.
Soil-applied protection taken up by the tree for season-long control.
Sharp, clean cuts to remove affected wood — a tree-care essential.
As an Amazon Associate, TreeIssues may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links — at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Japanese Beetle?
An invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
What are the symptoms of Japanese Beetle?
Skeletonized leaves with only veins remaining, metallic green and copper beetles feeding in groups, brown patches in lawn from grub damage, defoliation progressing from top of canopy downward
Where is Japanese Beetle currently found?
Japanese Beetle is currently active in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Colorado. It has been reported in 35 total states across the United States.
What plants are affected by Japanese Beetle?
Japanese Beetle affects American Linden, Paper Birch, Apple, Black Cherry, Japanese Maple, Sugar Maple, Azalea, Peach. Susceptibility varies by species.
How do I treat Japanese Beetle?
Treatment options for Japanese Beetle include: Hand-Picking and Trapping, Grub Control with Milky Spore, Neonicotinoid Soil Application. Treatment approaches may include chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical methods depending on the severity and context.
Compare with Similar Ailments
Not sure if it's Japanese Beetle? Compare it side-by-side with similar ailments.