Japanese Beetle Management in Colorado
Japanese beetles on Echinacea (Coneflower)
Hello Gardening Friend - this site is all about the Japanese beetle in Colorado, specifically the Front Range area. It's organized to assist you with research-based management options, timing and plant lists.
As a long time gardener I have taken a special interest in this voracious pest and wish to help other home owners and gardeners. My goal is to dispel Japanese beetle myths, missteps and present the research-based management control options.
The information and control practices are recommended by horticulture professionals at Colorado State University and the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Managing, by reducing the numbers of Japanese beetles and their larvae offspring is not just about using chemical sprays. There's an available option for everyone, some are no cost and some will not adversely affect beneficial insects in the garden.
I remain in touch with horticulture experts in Colorado who are doing a great service to assist home owners and gardeners by providing Japanese beetle fact sheets, ongoing research and more. These links can be found to the upper right, plus additional information in the drop down menu (More).
With understanding of the Japanese beetle's life cycle and the management options that can be used during the larval and adult stages, we'll continue to enjoy our landscape plants and gardens for many years.
There's a very helpful Q & A document from Colorado State University Emeritus Entomologist Dr. Whitney Cranshaw to answer just about every Japanese beetle question you may have.
Please take a few minutes and complete the Japanese Beetle Plant Survey to help with a regional plants list of plants they like and don't like. Complete one survey per plant. Click HERE for the survey.
2023 Japanese Beetle Class PowerPoint includes slides on biocontrol (natural enemies to JB which were released along the Front Range of CO beginning in 2015).
2023 Garden & Home Show Handouts, click on links below
Lifecycle and Resources Document
Insecticide Options for Control of Adult Japanese beetles on Leaves and Flowers from Dr. Whitney Cranshaw
Insecticide and Biological Control Options of Japanese Beetle Larvae (White Grubs) in Lawns from Dr. Whitney Cranshaw
About Betty Cahill -
I served as a Colorado Master Gardener volunteer for twenty years. Plus I taught gardening classes along the Front Range for over twenty years.
Please follow my ad-free garden blog for year round gardening articles.
Please check out my freelance garden articles in The Denver Post and the Garden Centers of Colorado website.
I have recently relocated to Boise, ID but will keep this site active and updated for all who wish to manage the Japanese beetle anywhere they are a problem.
Follow My Ad-Free Garden Blog HERE.
