One of the most common pests in Virginia is the Japanese Beetle. You've certainly seen them. You may have also heard not to squish them for one reason or another. Find out if the beetle juice really is bad.
Japanese Beetles are prolific on the East Coast and often visitors to Virginia from the Western states will comment on the beauty of the coloration on Japanese Beetles. They are, indeed, striking with their shimmery metallic bodies.
What Do Japanese Beetles Look Like?
Japanese Beetles are six-legged oval creatures. Most distinctively, they have metallic green bodies and metallic copper-colored wings. They are usually about a half-inch to an inch long. Japanese Beetles have a squarish-shaped head and two short antennae. They often travel in large groups.
The larvae are about an inch long, white, and will curl up into a "c" shape when disturbed.
Are Japanese Beetles Harmful?
Japanese Beetles are an invasive species from- you guessed it- Japan. With no natural predators in America, Japanese Beetles are very harmful to crops and vegetation. In fact, they have a wide palate and will eat everything from trees and flowers, such as rose bushes and oaks, to weeds, such as poison ivy. They will also destroy your lawn by eating your grass roots.
Damage can be very quick and very extensive, as they like to travel and feed in large groups.
Fortunately, they do not bite humans or spread disease. However, they can wreak havoc on your outdoor living spaces.
How Can I Protect My Home From Japanese Beetles?
In spite of the social media trend stating not to squish Japanese Beetles, it's perfectly okay to do so. The pheromones that will call other Japanese Beetles are not released when they die, so you are not risking inciting an invasion. In fact, the attractant is used only when mating and is no longer produced once that has been accomplished. So no need to worry about the Beetle Juice.
However, they can be hard to get rid of. According to Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology, "None of the natural insecticide products work very well against Japanese beetles..." The best way to protect your home and yard from Japanese Beetles is through professional pest services that use products with Japanese Beetles targeted on the label.
Our technicians can help! Give us a call today!
To learn even more about pests we have here in Richmond, check out our pest library
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