Japanese beetles are an invasive species in the U.S. They’re not generally harmful to humans, but they can destroy hundreds of types of plant life. These bugs can grow up to a half an inch long and usually have metallic green bodies. If you want to protect your beautiful landscaping from these pests, here are some things to look out for.

3 Ways Japanese Beetles Are Harmful to Your Landscaping

1. Chew on Leaves

Adult Japanese beetles usually chew on the tissue of leaves, leaving them looking like lace with only the major veins intact. They also chew on flowers and berries. Overall, they feed on hundreds of species of plants, leaving them all looking damaged.

Though these bugs can chew on just about anything, they are less likely to cause significant damage to healthy plants. Maintaining your garden with constant irrigation, fertilizer, and pruning can help you mitigate severe damage.

2. Destroy Grass

Japanese beetle grubs live in the ground and look like small, white caterpillars. They spend most of their time underneath turfgrass and feed on its roots. This can prevent the grass from getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy, resulting in patches of dry, dead, or discolored turf.

Japanese beetles also feed on weeds. Remove and prevent weed growth to keep these pests at bay. In addition to maintaining your lawn and landscaping, consider pesticide treatments to prevent grub damage.

3. Kill Vulnerable Plants

Many healthy plants can survive feedings from adult Japanese beetles—they simply present an aesthetic issue. However, plants that are young or unhealthy may not be able to survive constant feeding from bugs.

Catching damage early on is an essential prevention step to prevent larger issues. Severe damage can leave plants vulnerable to disease and even stunt their growth. If you notice skeletonized leaves around your garden, call a pest removal or landscaping company to treat the area.

If you’re looking for help maintaining your lawn and landscaping, the professionals at Oasis Landscapes & Irrigation in Columbia, MO, can help. This company offers a wide array of services, including lawn fertilization, aeration, tree and shrub pruning, sprinkler system installation and maintenance, and leaf removal. With more than 30 years of experience in business, this team is dedicated to helping homeowners throughout the area create beautiful and customized landscapes to enhance their home’s aesthetic. To request a quote, call (573) 446-0858 or visit their website.