Japanese Beetles Active
In scouting a streambank area this morning, I noticed that many of the wildflowers were covered with Japanese Beetles and some nearly defoliated. While I would not say that we are having an early peak in the population of these pest, it is clear that they are very active and pest management efforts should be in place immediately for the adult control.
Turfgrass Managers on Sod Farms, Athletic Fields, Golf Courses, and Lawns should be on the alert and plan to apply a grub control by the first of July. These adult insects are currently laying eggs and those eggs will be hatching in 10-14 days. The wet weather and lush grass will be create ideal conditions for the young grubs. For more information on this pest please read the following publications:
Japanese Beetle Information
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/agchem/agchem.html
For more information contact your local Cooperative Extension Center and ask for the Commercial Horticulture Agent.
