Asiatic garden beetles are a type of insect that can infest gardens, causing damage to plants and flowers. These beetles are active during the summer months and are attracted to the foliage, flowers, and fruit of a variety of plants.
Symptoms
- Irregularly shaped holes in leaves and petals, as the adult beetles feed on foliage, flowers and fruit.
- Wilted or discolored foliage, as a result of heavy feeding.
- Damage to fruit, such as small, shallow pits or scarring, as adult beetles feed on the fruit.
- Presence of adult beetles on plants or in the soil, as they are attracted to the foliage, flowers, and fruit of a variety of plants.
- Presence of frass (insect droppings) on foliage or fruit, as a result of feeding activity.
- Presence of white grubs in soil, as the larvae feeds on roots of plants, causing damage to the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
- Stunted growth or wilting of plants, as a result of heavy feeding or damage to roots by larvae.
- Presence of adult beetles in large numbers in a small area, as they tend to congregate in certain areas, attracted by the pheromones emitted by other beetles.
What is an Asiatic Garden Beetle
- Size: about ¼ inch long
- Color: Reddish-brown with metallic sheen
- Shape: Humpbacked
- Hairs: Fine black hairs on the body
- Head: Small and rounded
- Antennae: Short, club-shaped
- Legs: Short, sturdy and brown
- Body: Plump and round
- Elytra (wing covers): Short, not covering the entire body, revealing the membranous hind wings.
It’s important to note that Asiatic Garden Beetles can be mistaken for other similar species, for example, the Japanese Beetle or the June Beetle, it’s important to observe the physical characteristics of the insect to confirm the identification.
Treating an Asiatic Garden Beetle Infestation
It may be necessary to use multiple methods to effectively control an Asiatic garden beetle infestation. For example, using physical control methods, such as handpicking and traps, to reduce the number of adult beetles in the garden, and chemical control methods, such as insecticides, to directly kill adult beetles. Additionally, using cultural control methods, such as crop rotation, and biological control methods, such as beneficial insects or microbes, can help to reduce the population of Asiatic garden beetles in the long term.
Physical Control
- Handpicking: Adult beetles can be physically removed from plants and disposed of. It is most effective to do this early in the morning or late in the evening when the beetles are less active. It is also important to check the undersides of leaves as the beetles tend to hide there.
- Traps: Beetle traps such as sticky traps or pheromone traps can be used to capture adult beetles, reducing the population in the garden. It’s important to place the traps in areas where the beetles are known to congregate, such as near damaged plants or in high-risk areas.
- Barriers: A physical barrier such as fine mesh netting can be used to protect plants from adult beetles. The netting should be placed over the plants and secured at the base to prevent the beetles from getting under it.
Chemical Control
- Insecticides: Many insecticides, such as carbaryl, permethrin, or lambda-cyhalothrin, can be used to control adult beetles. It’s important to follow the label instructions for application and safety precautions. These insecticides are contact insecticides and work by coming into direct contact with the insect. They can be applied as a foliar spray or as a soil drench.
- Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control adult beetles. It is important to follow the label instructions for application and safety precautions. Neem oil works by disrupting the insect’s hormones and preventing them from reproducing. It can be applied as a foliar spray or as a soil drench.
Cultural Control
- Crop Rotation: Rotating the crops in your garden can disrupt the life cycle of the Asiatic garden beetles and help to reduce their population.
- Proper Soil Management: Maintaining healthy soil can help make your plants less attractive to pests. This includes practices such as adding organic matter, testing soil pH, and fertilizing appropriately.
- Plant selection: Choosing plants that are less attractive to pests can help to reduce the likelihood of an infestation. This includes selecting plants that are known to be resistant to pests or selecting plants that pests do not find attractive.
Biological Control
- Beneficial insects: Certain insects, such as lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, can be used to control Asiatic garden beetles. These insects feed on the eggs, larvae, or adult beetles and can help to reduce their population.
- Microbes: Certain microbes, such as the fungus Beauveria bassiana, can be used to control Asiatic garden beetles. These microbes infect the beetles, causing them to die. It’s important to follow the label instructions for application and safety precautions.