If you spot a shiny green bug munching away in your backyard, don’t ignore it. Japanese Beetles have made their seasonal return to Mesa County — and local officials say swift action could help protect farms, gardens, and your neighbor’s prized rose bushes.
These metallic invaders might be small, but they’re infamous for chewing plants down to bare stems. Mesa County wants folks to know what they look like, what to do if you find them, and why acting quickly matters.
What Makes Japanese Beetles So Destructive?
Bobbie Daniel, Mesa County Commissioner, didn’t sugarcoat it. “They’re very devastating to these plants and will eat them clean dry.”
Basically, these bugs are plant piranhas. They target everything from fruit trees to ornamental flowers. One or two beetles won’t do much harm. But these pests gather by the dozens.
One sentence: Left unchecked, they’ll skeletonize leaves and stress plants until they die.
Mesa County’s agriculture scene depends on keeping these bugs in check. Growers can’t afford infestations that spread from backyard shrubs to orchard rows.
Spotting the Culprit: What They Look Like
They’re not hard to ID once you know what to look for. Japanese Beetles are about half an inch long — roughly the size of a coffee bean.
Their colors are eye-catching:
• Metallic green body
• Coppery-brown wing covers
• Tiny white tufts along their sides
If you’re pruning your garden and spot clusters of them, chances are they’ve been feasting for a while.
How to Get Rid of Them
So, you’ve found a few? Don’t panic. County officials say the best tactic is also the simplest: hand-picking.
Yup — grab a jar, brush them in, and keep them contained.
One gardener in Fruita says she does her beetle rounds every evening. “It’s gross, but it works,” she laughed. “They’re easy to spot, especially on roses.”
If you need help figuring out what you’ve caught, Mesa County wants you to bring them in. The Colorado State University Extension Office at 2775 US-50 will check them out and guide you on next steps.
Why This Matters for Local Agriculture
These beetles aren’t just annoying for home gardens. They’re a nightmare for local growers.
One orchard owner near Palisade lost a whole row of peach trees last year when beetles stripped the leaves. Stressed trees produce less fruit, and that means smaller harvests and tighter profits.
Daniel says Mesa County’s monitoring program has made good progress, but constant vigilance is key. “We’ve seen a lot of good results, but we’re always watching,” she said.
Other Ways to Keep Beetles at Bay
Hand-picking helps, but there are a few other tricks that seasoned gardeners swear by:
• Use traps sparingly — they can attract more beetles than you already have.
• Keep your lawn healthy; beetle grubs live in grass roots.
• Treat grubs early in spring before adults emerge.
One old-timer’s tip: knock beetles into soapy water. The soap coats their wings, so they can’t fly away.
Beetle Invasions Aren’t New Here
Japanese Beetles have made headlines in Mesa County before. They’re an invasive species, meaning they don’t belong here — but they thrive thanks to warm summers and lush gardens.
Once they arrive, they don’t pack their bags and leave. Annual monitoring, public awareness, and quick action are the only ways to keep their numbers down.
One short reminder: Next summer, they’ll be back.
What to Do If You Find One
If you catch a beetle or two, here’s what Mesa County wants you to do:
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Collect them in a sealed container.
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Bring them to the CSU Extension Office.
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Keep your garden trimmed so they have fewer places to hide.
This teamwork approach helps the county track where beetles are popping up and target control efforts before infestations spread.
A Tiny Bug, A Big Responsibility
A single beetle might seem harmless. But when dozens appear on your fruit trees, you’ll wish you’d brushed them into that jar sooner.
Mesa County’s been fighting the good fight, but they’re counting on residents to lend a hand — literally.
So next time you see something shiny crawling across your roses, don’t look the other way. Grab a jar and do your part to keep Colorado’s gardens and farms thriving.
