Environmental Tip From The Chester Conservation Commission

CHESTER, CT — Environmental tip from the Conservation Commission:

"It’s Japanese Beetle season in Chester! We are in the 4 to 6 week period when they are most active. First identified in N.J. in 1916, they have been moving north, south and west ever since. They are generalists -feeding on many different plants - and therefore difficult to control. Adults live only 4 to 6 weeks, but the larval stage or grubs, also damage roots as they feed underground for almost a year. Because the adults don’t fly well at temps below 70 degrees, shaking them off their food in the early morning or evening into soapy water will help control them. Also as the females favor damp ground for their eggs, not irrigating lawns in the heat of July will discourage egg-laying. Traps are not recommended as they attract more beetles than they trap. Good luck at dealing with this pesky invader."