Insect Treatments Insects & Diseases Facts About the Japanese Beetle and Treatment options What is the Japanese Beetle? The Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) is a harmful pest to over 200 species of plants in North America. These beetles pose a serious threat to some of North America’s most beautiful and popular tree species, including: Apple Birch Japanese Maple Cherry These beetles are beautiful to look at. They have a shiny metallic-green body with copper-colored wings. They are roughly 3/8-inch long and 1/4-inch wide. How Japanese Beetles Cause Harm Many gardeners and homeowners know this beetle as a very serious pest. During their grub stage, they will cause devastating turf damage. When they grow into adults they’ll skeletonize plant leaves by consuming only the leaf material between the veins. Managing Japanese Beetle Infestation These beetles move very slowly. They can be hand picked and tossed into a bucket of soapy water. Better yet, why not let SavATree implement a comprehensive solution for managing and preventing future infestations of this pest. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.