Home » Blogs » Japanese Beetles in Rochester, NY: How to Identify, Prevent & Control Them Japanese Beetles in Rochester, NY: How to Identify, Prevent & Control Them July 18, 2026 Uncategorized Every summer, homeowners across Rochester and Western New York begin noticing shiny metallic green beetles covering roses, grape vines, hibiscus, and even their favorite shade trees. If your plants suddenly have leaves that look like lace, chances are Japanese beetles have arrived. The good news? With the right timing and products, you can significantly reduce damage and keep your landscape healthy all season long. At Van Putte Gardens, we’re here to help you identify, prevent, and control Japanese beetles before they take over your yard. What Are Japanese Beetles? Japanese beetles are invasive insects that feed on more than 300 species of plants. Adults are easy to recognize by their: Metallic green head Copper-colored wings Small white tufts along each side of their body About ½ inch in length While the adults are responsible for chewing leaves and flowers during summer, their young—called grubs—live underground and feed on grass roots, damaging lawns from below. Signs You Have Japanese Beetles: Adult beetles typically appear in late June through August in Rochester, NY. Common signs include: Leaves with only veins remaining (called skeletonizing) Large holes in flowers and foliage Damaged rose blooms Beetles clustered together on plants Brown patches developing in your lawn later in summer from grub feeding What Plants Do Japanese Beetles Love? Their favorites includes: Roses Hibiscus Grapes Birch trees Linden trees Crabapple trees Japanese maple Basil Beans Raspberry plants Why Are They So Destructive? Japanese beetles don’t just eat plants—they release scents that attract even more beetles. What starts as a handful of insects can quickly become hundreds feeding on the same plant. Adults feed during the day, chewing soft leaf tissue while leaving behind the network of veins, giving plants a scorched appearance. Don’t Forget the Grubs: Many people only notice the adult beetles, but the real long-term problem begins beneath your lawn. Japanese beetle grubs hatch in late summer and spend months feeding on grass roots. Signs of grub damage include: Brown patches that don’t recover after watering Turf that lifts like loose carpet Increased activity from skunks, raccoons, and birds digging for grubs Treating grubs helps reduce next year’s adult beetle population. How to Control Japanese Beetles: Hand Pick Early During cool mornings, beetles move slowly. Knocking them into a bucket of soapy water can greatly reduce populations before they attract more beetles. Japanese Beetle bagging kits work well, be sure to place AWAY from plants you are aiming to protect, as they will be drawn to the scent of the lure in the bag. Protect Plants with Insecticides When beetle populations become heavy, insecticides labeled for Japanese beetles can provide excellent protection.Treat susceptible plants before damage becomes severe and always follow label directions. Treat Your Lawn for Grubs Grub control products applied at the correct time help prevent next year’s infestation by stopping young beetles before they mature.Timing is important, so ask our team which product is best for the current point in the season. Visit Van Putte Gardens for Japanese Beetle Control: If you’re seeing Japanese beetles in your yard, our team can help you choose the right solution for your lawn, trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable garden. Whether you need grub control, Japanese beetle insecticides, or advice on protecting your landscape, stop by Van Putte Gardens. We’ll help you choose the right products and explain exactly when and how to use them for the best results. Our experts are always happy to answer questions and help Rochester homeowners keep their gardens looking their best all season long.