Japanese Beetles

We can’t tell from this photo if it’s a Japanese beetle or a close relative. Pluck off all you can, spray the plants with a control for chewing insects such as Spinosad or another contact insecticide), and treat the soil for grubs, the larval stage of beetles. You will need to break up the life cycle to keep it from repeating. This is a very troublesome pest and can really damage a plant if you don’t get rid of it fast. Good luck!

Since beetles fly away when they feel threatened, we suggest the following method for hand removal. Fill a small bowl with equal parts dishwashing liquid and water; mix it together. Hold it beneath the beetle and knock the beetle off into the bowl. The beetle will get stuck and not be able to fly away.