Over the past several years we have seen fewer and fewer Japanese beetles on campus.

Japanese beetles on Knockout roses. Photo S.D. Frank

We have had severe droughts every summer for three years during oviposition which I believe is responsible for this trend.  Japanese beetles need to lay eggs in moist turf so that the eggs do not desiccate and so the young larvae can burrow into the soil after hatching.  This is why Japanese beetles are still abundant in neighborhoods with irrigated turf, golf courses, and similar situations.  I have no idea if this trend continues how much lower Japanese beetle populations will get. Regardless, they will persist in the areas where people hate them most. Places with highly maintained turf.  For more information Japanese beetles in the landscape visit our insect note.