A common pest found throughout North America, Japanese beetles feed on numerous tree, shrub, and garden plant species. They can damage your plants, bother guests and your loved ones, and ultimately cause destruction. If you notice these pests in your backyard and need assistance, do not hesitate to call a tree service company to get rid of them.
Timber Works Tree Care is a top-rated tree service and removal company serving Winchester, Virginia. We have a wide array of services, from tree pruning and land clearing to stump grinding and tree removal. If you want more information on the pests in your backyard or are interested in the tree services Timber Works provides, call us at (540) 692-9606 or visit our website.
Below, we discuss the dangers of Japanese beetles and how you can prevent them:
Origins
Due to the country’s favorable climate conditions, diversity of food resources, and lack of enemies, Japanese beetles have become well-established in Northern America. Nevertheless, they did not appear in the U.S. until the early 1900s.
They are among the most destructive pests you can find in your backyard due to the damage they render to tree and plant species. A Timber Works Tree Care arborist can perform a quick tree inspection in your backyard to determine whether Japanese beetles have struck your trees.
Favorable Plant Species
Japanese beetles attack trees such as:
- Maple
- Elm
- Chestnut
- Birch
- Walnut
Trees infested with Japanese beetles will bear traces of a “lacey” texture on the leaves. The beetles love to feed on the leaves, and enough of them can even defoliate an entire tree.
They feed specifically on the surface of the leaves, munching on the tissue between leaf veins; empty spaces between the veins of the leaf may indicate that Japanese beetles are feeding on your plants. These insects prefer yard plants in direct sunlight over those in shaded spots.
Other plants that Japanese beetles attack are:
- Roses
- Corn silk
- Grapevines
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Many fruits
How to Deal with Japanese Beetles
Understanding how to counter Japanese beetle infestations is key to protecting your trees. At Timber Works, our industry professionals can help you thwart infestations and prevent expensive damage.
For instance, Japanese beetles avoid evergreen trees and shrubs (which lack the broad leaves of deciduous trees). Our team can use its knowledge of evergreen trees to help you strategically plant some in your yard and hinder future infestations.
Life Cycle
Japanese beetles live for about a year, most of which they spend as tiny, white grubs. Adult beetles usually emerge in early summer when plants receive constant sunlight (and the ecosystem thrives). Such conditions provide Japanese beetles with a robust food web.
Following emergence, adult beetles feed for anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks and reach peak maturation in September. So, call your tree service during the summer before these pests have time to develop. Such summer tree care is essential for a gorgeous yard. Timber Works also offers advice on how to keep your property vibrant and healthy year-round.
The Best Tree Service and Pest Removal Experts in Winchester, VA
Summer should be a time for you and your loved ones to enjoy the outdoors. Timber Works can ensure that your trees are in excellent condition and safe from pest infestations. We are constantly raising the bar for industry professionalism and safety. We excel in all tree service industry services, especially pest detection and tree removal. If you want to learn more about Timber Works’ tree service, call us at (540) 692-9606 or visit our website.
