They May Be Pretty, But Japanese Beetles Are Wrecking Michigan Lawns

As someone who has been distracted by shiny things my entire life, I can appreciate a good sparkle. The Japanese beetle, with its glossy green head and shimmering copper wings, looks like it belongs in an Indiana Jones movie. But, don't let the glitter distract you—these bugs are Michigan crop-wrecking machines.

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When and Where They Appear in Michigan

Each summer, these bedazzled little jerks pop out of the ground around June or July, ready to gnaw on your garden like a grand reopening celebration at an Old Country Buffet. Japanese beetles aren't picky either.

Why Japanese Beetles Are So Destructive

They'll eat your roses, your tomatoes, your fruit trees, soybeans, corn—basically, if it grows, they're eating it. As you may have already figured out, Michigan has placed the Japanese beetle on its list of invasive species.

Michigan's History With the Japanese Beetle

These bugs hitched a ride from Japan and Eastern Russia and have been making farmers' lives difficult since the 1970s, when Michigan State University reports that they first established a foothold in the state, specifically in Detroit.

As with many of Michigan's most dangerous invasive species, the Japanese Beetle has no natural predators here and plenty of green stuff to eat. But they’re not welcome in my lawn. Not today, Japanese beetle, it's about to get personal.

Your Lawn is a Nursery

As a proud Michigander who spent more than one Saturday manicuring my lawn, grumbling about moles, and cursing dandelions, I cannot tolerate Japanese beetle grubs turning my lawn into a patchy, brown wasteland.

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So, yes, they're flashy. Yes, they look like they belong on the cover of your high school Trapper Keeper. But if they keep destroying our crops and our lawns, they're not guests—they're invaders. Squish on sight for a greener, healthier Michigan.