We have begun now to see grub damage from the Japanese beetles. The beetles are currently in the larve stage and feed on turf roots. They are mainly located in roughs and adjacent to homes. Most adults lay eggs near the plants that they feed on during the summer.
The damage we notice first are from raccoons or skunks looking for them at night. They will tear up turf to get at them. It is fairly easy to do as the grubs have already started chewing on the roots making it easy to tear back the turf.
After noticing damage in 2016 we made a season long spring application for the grubs in those certain areas. Fortunately where we applied is clean and we see no problems. Our populations have grown in 2017 and we will be applying insecticides to more areas to combat the damage next season. Currently we are applying a different mode of action now to limit damage this fall. It is important to keep plants watered and fertilized properly to withstand the stress.
As the weather cools the grubs burrow deep into the soil below the rootzone to overwinter. In the spring they emerge in time for the main insecticide application. This will reduce the amount of adults we see next season and should limit fall damage again. Some areas will require reseeding to repair the turf.
All adjacent home lawns and properties should begin planning to apply insecticides. If you notice a problem now, it is not too late to treat. If you like to apply yourself there are a number of products available but be sure to read and follow the label properly. For those who would rather have someone else apply, there are a number of licensed contractors who can apply products.
It took about 100 years for the Japanese Beetle to finally arrive in the Denver area after first landing on the East C.oast. Now their populations are large enough that it is time treat. This will be an annual problem. They are here to stay, you can just plan to limit them.
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