Japanese Beetles in Minnesota: Still a Threat in 2026

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If you live in the Twin Cities, you’ve likely seen them—shiny green-and-copper beetles munching away on leaves in mid-summer. These are Japanese beetles, and while they’ve been in Minnesota for decades, they’re still one of the most damaging pests to trees, shrubs, and lawns.

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Why Japanese Beetles Are a Problem

• They skeletonize leaves, eating everything between the veins and leaving foliage thin and lacy.

• They feed on over 300 different plant species, including lindens, birches, oaks, elms, fruit trees, roses, and even turfgrass roots as grubs.

• Severe infestations can defoliate trees, stress landscapes, and weaken plants over time.

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Are They Still a Threat Today?

Yes—Japanese beetles remain a significant pest in Minnesota, especially across the Twin Cities metro. However, there are some updates:

• Natural control is growing. The Winsome fly (a beneficial insect) is now present in Minnesota and parasitizes Japanese beetles. In some areas, as many as 20–30% of beetles are affected.

• Year-to-year variation. Some summers see huge swarms, while others have lighter numbers. Weather, soil conditions, and natural enemies all influence populations.

• Damage may be cosmetic for healthy trees. Mature, well-established trees usually survive beetle feeding, though they can look ragged. Young, stressed, or newly planted trees face a higher risk.

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What You Can Do

1. Inspect Early: Watch your trees and plants in late June through August for signs of skeletonized leaves.

2. Strengthen Your Trees: Healthy trees are better at withstanding pest stress. Regular pruning, proper watering, and good soil care are key.

3. Consider Targeted Treatments: For valuable trees or repeated infestations, professional care can help manage beetle populations.

4. Support Natural Enemies: Avoid broad pesticide use that harms beneficial insects like the Winsome fly.

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Signs of Damage

• Leaves look “lacy” or burnt from beetle feeding.

• Branches or shrubs appear thinned out.

• Turfgrass turns brown or patchy (from grub feeding on roots).

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Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Japanese beetles aren’t going away, but with the right care you can limit their impact. Acting early—before your trees are severely stressed—makes all the difference.

📞 Call Ostvig Tree Care today to schedule an inspection and protect your trees from Japanese beetles and other seasonal pests.

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