Known as the largest animal group on earth, beetles run the gamut in terms of size, coloration and the many ways they plague gardens and homes. They come with spots, stripes, glistening metallic colors, intriguing bumps and ridges — and more. Some chew leaves; other devour roots; still others bore into wood.
Common pests that reflect this diversity include the devastating Japanese beetle and these familiar invaders:
While adult beetles vary significantly in appearance, they all have hard, protective shells that shield delicate wings. Antennae differ, too. Some are short and club-like; others are long and curving; still others have featherlike tips.
Beetle mouthparts are designed for biting and chewing. For leaf-eating beetles like the Colorado potato beetle, young foliage usually takes the first hit. When that's gone, these pests move to older leaves. When they're finished all but the main leaf veins are gone.
Beetle turf damage often masquerades as drought damage at first. Get closer, and billbug-damaged grass blades look eaten from the inside out. Infestations of June beetle larvae and other beetle grubs leave your lawn feeling spongy and springy underfoot. Roll back affected turf and you'll see beetle larvae feasting on grass roots.
Effective beetle control means matching products to the type of pest involved. For leaf-eating beetles, treatment focuses on beetles visible on your lawn or plants, as well as plants showing signs that beetles have stopped by.
Turf-damaging beetles may stay hidden. Fighting these pests involves killing destructive larvae before they do more damage, and reaching adults before they mate and reproduce. Whatever your target, Amdro brand has a control option to work for you:
Beetle larvae are as destructive as adult beetles — or sometimes worse. Treat adults to prevent new generations. Treat newly hatched larvae while they're young, small and most vulnerable.
Always read product labels and follow the instructions carefully, including pest-specific application rates.
Amdro
and Amdro Quick Kill are registered trademarks of Central Garden & Pet Company.
Rocky Mountain billbug (top) and Bluegrass billbug (bottom)
Photo credit: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
June beetle, also known as June bug
Photo credit: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org (CC BY 3.0 US)
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