
Japanese beetles can be a real nuisance in gardens and landscapes, but there are effective ways to prevent and treat infestations.
Neem oil, a natural insecticide, can be applied to plants to repel Japanese beetles.
Systemic insecticides, such as imidacloprid, can be applied to soil or plants to kill Japanese beetles.
It's essential to apply insecticides at the right time, typically when Japanese beetles are most active, usually in the summer months.
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What Are Japanese Beetles?
Japanese beetles are a type of insect that can be a real nuisance in gardens and landscapes.
They are typically 1/2 inch long, with a shiny copper-colored elytra and a white underside.
Their diet consists mainly of plants, with a particular fondness for leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Adult Japanese beetles emerge in late spring and early summer, with peak activity usually occurring between June and August.
During this time, they can cause significant damage to plants, eating through leaves, flowers, and fruits, and even burrowing into trees.
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In addition to their feeding habits, Japanese beetles can also be a vector for diseases, such as fungal infections, which can be spread to plants through their feeding activities.
Female Japanese beetles lay their eggs in the soil, which hatch into larvae, also known as grubs, that feed on plant roots and other organic matter.
Grubs can be a significant problem, causing damage to lawns and gardens, and can even be a food source for other animals, such as birds and small mammals.
Getting Rid of Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles can be a real nuisance, but don't worry, there are ways to get rid of them. To treat your yard, you can use a broadcast application of Dominion 2L, a systemic insecticide that targets both adult Japanese Beetles and their larvae, stopping the damage.
To apply Dominion 2L, you can use a hose-end sprayer or a hand-pump sprayer, depending on the size of your area. You can also add it to your Pest & Lawn Program for a convenient solution.
In addition to Dominion 2L, there are other products that can help control Japanese beetles. For example, Bayer Advanced Grub Killer Plus is a popular choice, starting at $24.99.
If you're looking for a more organic solution, you can try using Milky Spore Powder, which is a naturally occurring host-specific bacterium that attacks the destructive white grubs in turf. Apply 10 oz per 2,500 sq ft anytime of year when the ground is NOT frozen.
Here are some other effective products for getting rid of Japanese beetles:
- BONIDE 051 Auto Mix Hose End Sprayer ($24.99)
- BONIDE 196 Japanese Beetle Killer Ready-to-Use ($12.99)
- ferti•lome MosquitoGo Insect Granules with Cedarwood Oil (as low as $24.99)
- Rescue Japanese and Oriental Beetle Trap ($10.99)
- Sevin Insect Killer Ready To Use2 (kills Japanese beetles and more than 700 listed insect pests on contact)
Remember to always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions, including guidelines for pre-harvest intervals (PHI) and application frequency.
Prevention and Control
To control Japanese beetles, it's essential to implement preventative measures, such as keeping your lawn healthy with regular mowing, watering, and maintenance. This involves raking your lawn regularly to remove thatch and expose the Japanese beetle grub to its natural predators.
You should fertilize your lawn on a regular schedule to ensure it gets the nitrogen nutrition it needs to fight pest symptoms. For continued protection against Japanese Beetle invasions, reapply Dominion 2L on a quarterly basis every 90 days.
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A floating row cover, like Harvest-Guard, can be used as a physical barrier to prevent adult beetles from damaging plants. Surround WP, a kaolin clay-based product, forms a protective barrier film that prevents damage from a large number of insect pests.
If you prefer organic methods, consider using Safer Grub Killer, a ready-to-use spray that's effective against the larval stages of Japanese beetles. Alternatively, you can use AzaMax, a concentrated spray containing azadirachtin, which is approved for organic use and offers multiple modes of action.
For a more unusual method, try using Lawn Aerator Sandals, also known as Spikes of Death, which have been shown to be equal to or more effective than some insecticides for managing Japanese beetle grubs. Researchers reported killing 56% of the grubs by walking over infested plots of lawn 3-5 times.
Here are some additional preventative measures you can take:
- Rake your lawn regularly to remove thatch and expose the Japanese beetle grub to its natural predators.
- Water your lawn with 1 to 1.5 inches of water once a week and mow it at a height of 3 to 4 inches.
- Fertilize your lawn on a regular schedule to ensure it gets the nitrogen nutrition it needs to fight pest symptoms.
- Reapply Dominion 2L on a quarterly basis every 90 days for continued protection against Japanese Beetle invasions.
Treatment Options
For effective treatment, consider using Dominion 2L, a neonicotinoid insecticide that works systemically to kill larvae and adults.
This product can be safely applied to plants without causing harm, and it's essential to follow the application instructions on the label.
To calculate the square footage of the treatment area, measure the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply them together (length x width = square footage).
For hose-end sprayers, attach the spray nozzle to the hose and add the proper amount of Dominion 2L to the reservoir with the correct amount of water.
You can also use a handheld pump sprayer for smaller residential areas, filling it halfway with water, adding the appropriate amount of Dominion 2L, and agitating the sprayer until the product is well mixed.
Some other options for treating Japanese beetles include Bayer Advanced Grub Killer Plus, BONIDE 051 Auto Mix Hose End Sprayer, and ferti•lome Neem Ready-to-Use.
Here are some recommended products for treating Japanese beetles:
If you have a large Japanese beetle population, consider treating your lawn to kill the eggs and grubs, and prevent adult infestations in the warmer months.
Beetles
Japanese beetles can be a real nuisance to a healthy garden and backyard. They're iridescent green and love to feast on leaves, plants, flowers, and trees.
The best way to control Japanese beetles is to use a broadcast treatment of Dominion 2L, a neonicotinoid insecticide that works systemically to kill larvae and adults. Dominion 2L can be safely applied to plants without causing harm and will kill any Japanese beetle that decides to eat treated turf and vegetation.
To treat Japanese beetles, you'll need to calculate the square footage of the treatment area and determine how much Dominion 2L you'll need. The recommended rate is 0.46 to 0.6 fl. oz. in a gallon of water to treat 1,000 sq. ft.
You can use a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer for large areas or a handheld pump sprayer for smaller residential areas. For hose-end sprayers, attach the spray nozzle to the hose and add the proper amount of Dominion 2L to the reservoir with the correct amount of water. For pump sprayers, fill the sprayer halfway with water, add the appropriate amount of Dominion 2L, and agitate the sprayer until the product is well mixed.
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Here are some popular products for getting rid of Japanese beetles:
- Bayer Advanced Grub Killer Plus
- BONIDE 051 Auto Mix Hose End Sprayer
- BONIDE 196 Japanese Beetle Killer Ready-to-Use
- BONIDE 197 Japanese Beetle Bagger Trap Kit
- ferti•lome® MosquitoGo® Insect Granules with Cedarwood Oil
- ferti•lome® Neem Ready-to-Use
- Milky Spore Powder Japanese Beetle Control
- Rescue Japanese and Oriental Beetle Trap
Treatment
Treatment is a crucial step in getting rid of Japanese beetles. To start, you'll need to confirm that you have an infestation, and then you can proceed with treatment.
It's essential to read all product labels and follow the application instructions carefully. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is also a must to stay safe.
The best way to treat Japanese beetles is with a broadcast treatment of Dominion 2L. This systemic insecticide kills both adult beetles and their larvae, stopping the damage.
To calculate the square footage of the treatment area, measure the length and width in feet, then multiply them together. For example, if your area is 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, the square footage would be 1,000 square feet.
For large areas, a 20-gallon hose-end sprayer is recommended, while a handheld pump sprayer is better suited for smaller residential areas.

Here's a quick guide to help you get started:
Remember to spray the undersides of leaves, as Japanese beetles like to hide in these areas. It's also essential to apply the treatment on a calm day to minimize drift.
If you're unsure about the best treatment option for your specific situation, consider consulting with your local cooperative extension for guidance.
Managing Reinfestation
To maintain a healthy lawn and prevent reinfestation, regular lawn maintenance is key. Watering, fertilizing, and mowing your grass at the right height (about 2 to 3 inches) can help keep Japanese beetles at bay.
Rake your lawn regularly to remove thatch and expose the Japanese beetle grub to its natural predators. This simple task can make a big difference in preventing reinfestation.
Mowing your grass at a height of 3 to 4 inches can encourage root growth, which is essential for a healthy lawn that can withstand pest invasions. Fertilizing on a regular schedule will also provide your turf with the nitrogen nutrition it needs to fight pest symptoms.
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Reapply Dominion 2L on a quarterly basis every 90 days for continued protection against Japanese Beetle invasions. This may seem like a hassle, but it's a crucial step in maintaining a Japanese beetle-free lawn.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you stay on top of your lawn maintenance routine:
- Water: 1 to 1.5 inches of water once a week
- Mow: 3 to 4 inches in height
- Fertilize: Regular schedule
- Rake: Regularly to remove thatch
- Reapply Dominion 2L: Quarterly every 90 days
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