Summertime in Rochester, MN, which is an excellent time for gardening, landscaping, and home upkeep, is unfortunately also prime-time for the Japanese beetle. These common pests are a big fan of most things leafy, and their most active months are July and August. Tree insect control specialists encourage any tree care enthusiast who isn't already familiar with these troublesome little bugs to learn how to identify them. With a little knowledge of this common pest you can contact the experts at Maier Tree and Lawn and shake that beetle fever.
Though Japanese beetles are still named for their country of origin, they've actually been in the U.S. since the early 1900's. This is good news in some ways because it means that a lot is known about their appearances and habits. Since the first step of tree insect control is tree insect identification, you should try to get acquainted with the Japanese beetle's style. They are identifiable by their bright metallic green and brown coloration paired with a patchy white and brown underside. Once you can identify them, they're pretty hard to miss.
Japanese beetles, like many common pests, are hungry for a wide variety of foliage, but they especially enjoy fruiting trees and bushes. Their modus operandi is usually to feed on the leaves of the plant or tree extensively. This not only looks tacky, but it also weakens the plants in question. If you see a lot of them at once, it could be very bad news for your trees.
Some good news about Japanese beetles is that, unlike some common pests, they're large enough to see and remove by hand. If you're comfortable touching them you could dispose of them manually. But, for more serious infestations, pesticides are viable the more option.
If you've encountered Japanese beetles on your property and are considering using pesticides for tree insect control, remember that properly utilizing these tools is something best left to the professionals. If your Rochester, MN, landscaping or trees have been impacted by Japanese beetles, call Maier Tree and Lawn at (507) 454-7000 or by visiting our website here for more information.