Tree problems · Insect
Japanese Beetle: signs and what to do
Japanese Beetle is an insect pest, often seen on linden, birch, crape myrtle. Look for: leaves that look like lace because only the tissue between veins is eaten.
General information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm.
- Insect
- Linden
- Birch
- Crape myrtle
- Cherry and plum
- Elm
- Maples
Signs to look for
Tick what you see. More ticks make it more likely, but only an on-site look can confirm.
0 of 6 signs ticked. Ticks stay in this browser only.
Season
Adult beetles are active in summer, roughly early summer through late summer, and feed in the heat of the day. Grubs live in the soil and feed on grass roots in late summer and fall, then again in spring.
How it spreads
Adult beetles fly short distances to find food. Spread over longer distances has been through moved soil and plants with soil. Female beetles lay eggs in turf and moist lawns.
Where it is found
Japanese beetle is established across much of the eastern US and is regulated in some western states to keep it from spreading. Check your state official map; ranges change.
Official sources
What to do
- 1
Know that a healthy mature tree can lose a lot of leaf area and still survive. Damage is mostly cosmetic.
- 2
Hand-pick beetles into a bucket of soapy water in the morning, when they are slow. This works for small trees and shrubs.
- 3
Do not use pheromone beetle traps near the plants you want to protect. They can pull in more beetles than they catch.
- 4
Protect young or high-value trees with a labeled product and follow the label. Spraying flowering trees can harm pollinators.
- 5
Water young trees in dry weather so they can regrow leaves.
- 6
Talk to a licensed pro about a lawn grub plan if the beetles are a yearly problem.
Safety first: do not climb, do not cut near power lines and do not use a chainsaw on storm-loaded wood. Call the utility for downed lines and 911 if anyone is in danger.
Prevention
Keep trees watered and mulched and plant a mix of species. Adult beetles lay eggs in moist, well-watered turf, so ask a lawn pro about grub timing if it is a yearly problem. Some trees are less attractive to the beetles; ask your local extension office for a list for your area. Do not move soil or plants with soil out of a regulated area.
When to call a pro
Call a licensed arborist if a young or valuable tree is losing most of its leaves, if you want a planned treatment, or if you live in a regulated area and are not sure what the rules are for moving plants and soil.
Not sure who to call? Read how to hire a tree service or check is my tree dangerous?
Trees it affects
Usually seen on: Linden, Birch, Crape myrtle, Cherry and plum, Elm, Maples, Walnut, Rose family trees.
- American Linden
- Black walnut
- River Birch
- Paper Birch
- Crape Myrtle
- Black Cherry
- Red Maple
- Norway Maple
- Japanese Maple
- American Elm
- Bradford Pear
See all species in our tree library, or pick a tougher tree with the tree picker.
For tree companies
How to explain Japanese beetle to a customer
Beetle season brings worried calls. Explain honestly that mature trees usually survive heavy feeding and that traps can make things worse. Offer a clear plan for young or valuable trees and be upfront when no spray is needed. That honesty is what makes a homeowner call you first next year.
Send this page to the customer after your visit so they can read the signs in plain words. See also selling plant health care and the job photo checklist.
Questions
What is eating my leaves into lace?
It is most likely Japanese beetles. They eat the soft tissue between the veins and leave a skeleton of the leaf.
Will Japanese beetles kill my tree?
A healthy mature tree usually survives. Young trees or trees already stressed from drought can be harmed more.
Do beetle traps work?
Many experts warn that traps can draw in more beetles than they catch. If you use one, place it far from the plants you want to protect.
When are the beetles active?
In summer. They feed most in warm, sunny weather and are slow in the early morning.
What about the grubs in my lawn?
The grubs are the young stage of the beetle and feed on grass roots. A lawn care or pest pro can advise on timing and products.
Can I move plants or soil out of my yard?
In some regulated areas there are rules on moving soil and plants with soil to keep the beetle from spreading. Check with your state department of agriculture.
Can Lirevon diagnose Japanese beetle on my tree?
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies and does not do tree work. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. A certified arborist or your county extension office can confirm what is wrong with your tree.
How do I find a good local pro for this?
Search Google Maps for certified arborists or tree services near you, read their reviews and ask for proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes. Our guide on how to hire a tree service lists the questions to ask.
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