What Japanese Beetles Like to Eat (And How to Protect…

The Japanese beetle may look beautiful on the outside with its shimmering green, coppery-brown colored body, but their beauty hides an insatiable appetite which can quickly destroy plant matter on your property.

For almost one hundred years, the Japanese beetle has been wreaking havoc on lawns and throughout landscapes across the eastern United States. The beetle has since spread to western parts of the country as well, and is increasingly common in Middle Tennessee.

The Japanese Beetle Life Cycle

The Japanese beetle spends most of its life as a soil grub. In the spring as the soil warms, grubs migrate to the surface where they briefly feed on grass roots.

In late June and early July, adult beetles emerge and begin feeding on healthy leaves, quickly skeletonizing the foliage. The population is highest in July but may persist well into August.

The adult female beetle burrows into the soil laying up to 60 eggs. In late summer the eggs hatch into grubs. The grubs resume feeding on turf roots. This is when you may notice grass blades fading and turning brown.

Trees and Plants Japanese Beetles Love

Some of their favorites include: American linden, apple, apricot, cherry, peach and plum, beans, birch, crab apple, crape myrtle, grape vines, hibiscus, Japanese maple, Norway maple, pin oak, raspberry, and roses.

While we’re not suggesting you eliminate these species from your landscape, you should be aware of their appeal to Japanese beetles and inspect them often for any infestations.

Plants That Resist Japanese Beetles

Looking for options that rarely attract Japanese beetles? These species are generally more resistant: ash, boxwood, burning bush, clematis, dogwood, fir, forsythia, hemlock, holly, lilac, magnolia, northern red oak, pine, redbud, red maple, spruce, and yew.

Protecting Your Trees

If you believe your plants or trees are infested with Japanese beetles, contact an expert arborist. Treatment options are available, and professional insect management is far more effective than DIY approaches. Our expert arborists can assess the extent of any infestation and recommend targeted treatments that minimize damage while protecting beneficial insects.