As part of the effort to combat Japanese Beetles, homeowners are encouraged to apply GrubEx to eradicate beetles in the grub stage from March – May. Anyone using a licensed landscaper should ask that they spray Acelepryn on residential lawns in mid-May. GrubEx is a pet/human-safe pesticide available at local nurseries and hardware stores. Only qualified, licensed landscapers can apply Acelepryn however.
Homeowners can also reduce habitat for the beetles by reducing how often lawns are watered — letting the first two to three inches dry out before watering again — and choosing low-water or plants that are unattractive to beetles.
Beetles usually emerge from the end of June through the beginning of September, and females will lay eggs in moist turf grass in late August. Eradication efforts including spraying and lawn application of pesticides have proved effective but must be widespread in order to have a significant impact on the beetle population, in all their stages. The larvae live in and damage turfgrass ecosystems and the adults feed on more than 300 types of plants. Beetle populations can spread one to five miles per year, moving from plant to plant in an area putting local crops, orchards and vineyards at risk for these destructive pests.
Residents are encouraged to monitor their plants and turf for the presence of the Japanese beetles and report any sightings of the pest to the Japanese beetle hotline at 970-248-7000 or online.