A Hard Day’s Night For Minnesota Green Thumbs: Japanese Beetles Invade Midwest Gardens!
Japanese beetles are wreaking havoc on Minnesota gardens, devouring everything in sight. Find out how to fight back! 🪲 #News #Minnesota #HomeAndGarden
Rising Insect Troubles for Minnesota Gardeners!
EDINA, MN – Minnesotans have been battling mosquitoes and ticks, but now there’s a new pest making its presence known. Japanese beetles, with their shiny green and copper hues, are invading gardens and fields across the state. These beetles feast on roses, grapevines, fruit trees, and even crops like soybeans.
Beetle Background
Japanese beetles were first discovered in the U.S. in 1916 and arrived in Minnesota in 1968. They spend winters underground as grubs, munching on grass roots. Now, as adults, they’re wreaking havoc above ground.
The University of Minnesota Extension explains that these beetles “skeletonize leaves by feeding on tissue between the major veins, giving them a lace-like appearance.” They also destroy blossoms and blooms on roses and other flowering plants.
Peak Beetle Season
July and August are the height of Japanese beetle activity. Gardeners are trying various methods to keep these pests in check.
Despite the beetles causing significant damage, healthy plants can often survive the infestation without long-term harm. However, young or stressed plants, especially those affected by recent droughts, are more vulnerable.
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Impact on Yields and Lawns
Vegetable plants and fruit trees targeted by these beetles may see reduced yields. Additionally, after the summer, the beetles lay eggs that hatch into grubs, which feed on roots and can damage lawns.
Infestation Areas in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has mapped out beetle infestations across the state. Significant populations are found in the Twin Cities, Mankato, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Rochester, and Winona.
So far, southwest, northwest, and northeast Minnesota have reported fewer beetle sightings. Nationally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that these beetles are widespread in the eastern U.S., but not yet in states west of the Rockies.
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Control Methods
The University of Minnesota Extension suggests several ways to control Japanese beetles:
- Manual Removal: For small gardens, handpicking beetles and dropping them into soapy water can be effective. Starting early when beetles first appear is crucial.
- Avoid Traps: Beetle traps sold in stores can attract more beetles than they catch, causing more damage.
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- Insecticides: These can be used but may harm beneficial insects.
- Biological Control: A wasp and a fly species that prey on beetles have been released in Minnesota, though they have minimal impact.
- Plant Selection: Choosing plants less attractive to beetles is another long-term strategy.
For some, accepting the presence of beetles and the damage they cause is the only option.
Stay tuned for more updates on Minnesota’s gardening battles. For more tips and tricks, check out our Home and Garden articles.
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