What are the metallic blue and green colored bugs chewing on all of my plants?

Doug asked, “What are the metallic blue and green colored bugs chewing on all of my plants?”

The metallic green and blue bug is called a Japanese Beetle. They can destroy a garden. For many years, they could only be found on a remote Japanese island. In the early 1900s, they were brought to the US on Iris roots. They are a major threat to gardens and crops in the Eastern and Midwestern parts of the country. The beetles have a huge appetite and only live for about 40 days. In that short amount of time, they can ruin roses, and numerous other plants, and reduce tree leaves to lacy skeletons.

Some growers feel Japanese Beetles send out scouts, and it is important to eliminate them as soon as you see them, so they will not lure others to your garden. They are easy to see and can be handpicked and drowned in soapy water. Other place drop cloths under plants in the morning and shake the plant, knocking the beetles to the ground. The drop cloth can be shaken into soapy water, destroying the beetles.

Chemical, organic, and homemade insecticides can kill the beetles. I would avoid using the beetle traps. They contain a sex pheromone that will attract every beetle in town! Some feel Japanese Beetles are attracted to geraniums. When they eat them, a chemical in the leaves makes the beetles dizzy, making them easier to knock off plants and sweep them up and destroy them.

It is important to eliminate them as soon as possible. Several years ago, swarms of Japanese beetles destroyed my roses, raspberries, and ate the leaves off many of my trees, as well as other plants. Good luck!