This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

July 15, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

Experts offer tips on getting rid of Japanese beetles

japanese beetle

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The University of Missouri Extension Office says patience and soapy water are key to combating one particular summertime pest in your garden.

When it comes to Japanese beetles, gardeners should manually tap or shake beetles off plants into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.

Doing this daily, especially in the morning, can significantly reduce beetle numbers and prevent more from being attracted. Experts caution against using insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.

Japanese beetles, recognizable by their shiny green and bronze bodies, are a temporary summer problem lasting 4-6 weeks. They feed on around 300 plant species, causing significant damage by skeletonizing leaves.

To protect plants, experts suggest using cheesecloth or fine netting. Avoid using traps as they attract more beetles to your yard. Instead, select less-preferred plants to reduce beetle populations.