WHO Radio News

WHO Radio News

Iowa's largest radio news team covers the top local, state, and national stories with experience and dedication. Hear news at the top and bottom of the hour. Breaking news and severe weather, at once on AM 1040 WHO. Contact WHO Radio Newsroom: (515) 245-8887 Email: News@WHOradio.com

 

Japanese Beetles Arrive In Iowa Late, But They're Hungry

(Ames, IA) -- Iowa gardeners are starting to report Japanese beetles, an annual pest that has an appetite for hundreds of common plants. Donald Lewis, Iowa State University professor emeritus says the beetle seems to have emerged a few weeks later than normal. He describes the population as spotty, heavy in some areas, light in others. He says the numbers can depend on if populations are in the invasion cycle or not.

He says Japanese beetles are usually active between June and August, but Iowans did not start reporting them this year until July after some rainy conditions. Lewis says this summer's adult beetles will die in the fall and the next generation will appear next summer.

Lewis says the beetle can be found in cities or rural areas where they'll attack crops. He says there are sometimes greater numbers on golf courses, because the beetles enjoy wet sod, especially in a drought year.

The Japanese beetle has been in the U.S. since 1916, and in the state of Iowa since the 1990s.


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content