Specific timing depends on the species of grub, and on location in the state. Curative treatments applied in late summer or fall are usually more effective than spring applications because the grubs are small. This feeding occurs from August through October, and again in April through early May. Pesticides applied any other time will be ineffective. The best time to apply curative insecticides is when the grubs are actively feeding near the soil surface. The curative approach is used when an existing infestation is detected. This approach should only be used in areas that have a history of grub infestations. Some of the newer products (Merit ® and Mach 2 ®) are preventative, and are most effective when applied prior to when the eggs are laid.
There are two approaches, preventative and curative. The timing of the insecticide application is critical if control is to be effective. bit.ly/3jDiK8w.Chemical Control Skip to Chemical Control The University of Missouri shares that the manufacturer claims that by doing a total of six applications it can provide control for up to 20 years. Gabriel Organics, recommends three applications per year (spring, summer and fall) for two consecutive years. The grubs ingest the bacterium which leads to “milky disease.” This is “a chronic infection that reduces survival and reproduction.” bit.ly/3yFIJAo. It is best to use it when the soil temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and before rain is expected. The product is applied to your turf when the grubs are actively feeding. Milky spore is a naturally occurring bacterium that is commercially available for homeowners. If you choose this method, then grab a bucket of soapy water and drop the beetles in. However, this is a time-consuming process that needs to be done regularly. Handpicking the adult beetles is recommended. Pheromone traps can attract the beetles from your neighbor’s yard and actually make the situation worse. What to do? Pheromone trapping is not recommended unless the infestation is isolated. This then turns into another vicious cycle of these little critters munching on your plants. After mating, the adult females lay eggs in the soil again. Most of the active feeding then occurs through August. The larvae pupate, and in June, they emerge from the soil. The result is an overall decline in the health of your grass because it is no longer capable of taking up water and nutrients. The larvae of Japanese beetles feed on the roots of your turf basically pruning the roots. These tiny metallic green insects have a one-year life cycle. Understanding the Japanese beetle’s life cycle will help in management. This amounts to a nearly endless supply of food sources for this one insect.
There are more than 300 different plant species that serve as host plants for Japanese beetles. These troublesome pests tend to destroy turf, landscape and ornamental plants, as well as some fruit, garden and field crops. I thought it was high time to revisit this topic. Several years ago, I wrote an article about these pesky little beetles that chomp and munch while imagining hordes of them singing “oh, what a tasty plant this is!” I recently received an email from a reader asking about using milky spore on Japanese beetles.
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