Protect Your Trees From Japanese Beetles & Emerald Ash Borer

The Missouri Department of Conservation is urging homeowners to be on the lookout for two species of beetles that are native to Asia that can wreak havoc on your yard - Japanese Beetles & Emerald Ash Borers. These two invasive insects are wreaking havoc on Missouri plants and trees. While these two insects may look similar, there are a few easy ways you can figure out which green pest is feeding on your plants.

Japanese Beetle

Japanese beetles were first discovered in the United States on the East Coast in 1916. While it's not exactly sure how they came to the United States it's believed they were brought over in potted Japanese Irises. They can now be found in states from the East Coast to the Midwest. They're found all throughout Missouri, with high populations in some areas.

Japanese beetles are "skeletonizers," which means they feed on the leaves leaving behind only the leaf veins. They are not picky eaters and can feed on more than 300 different types of plants. These beetles feed in groups and can defoliate an entire tree in just a few days. According to Robbie Doerhoff from Missouri Department of Conservation, "Good tree care, such as proper mulching and watering during dry spells, becomes very important in helping reduce stress to damaged trees."

If the infestation of Japanese Beetles are light and on small shrubs and trees, you can hand pick them and put them in soapy water. However, if the infestation is large or they're on big trees that are hard to reach, it may be best to call a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company.

Emerald Ash Borer

Just like Japanese Beetles, Emerald Ash Borer is native to Asia. It was first found in Missouri in 2008 at a campground near Lake Wappapello. Now, this invasive tree pest can be found in 37 counties throughout the state including Camden and Miller counties. The transportation of firewood is one way this pest has been able to spread quickly throughout the state.

This species is different in the fact it only feeds on ash trees and it doesn't congregate in large groups like the Japanese Beetle. It can be difficult to spot these pests, even in areas where the population is high, as they will be feeding and mating in a tree's canopy.

Emerald Ash Borers only attacks ash trees. Although adult beetles don't do much damage, it the larval stage that can cause trees to die. The larvae bore into the vascular layer of ash trees, creating distinct S-shaped galleries that slowly cut off the flow of water and nutrients the trees need. Unfortunately, they kill over 99 percent of ash trees they attack within 3 - 4 years of infestation. The best way to prevent your ash trees from being attacked is to call a pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks.

If you spot these invasive beetles in your yard, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100. These beetles can cause massive damage to your yard and in some cases can even kill your trees. To learn more about treatment plans, call a Lake of the Ozarks pest technician today!

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Pest Control Company

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