Do Japanese Beetles Eat Arborvitae

Yes, Japanese beetles eat arborvitae and they can cause significant damage to these popular evergreen shrubs.
 
Japanese beetles do eat arborvitae by targeting the tender new foliage and chewing irregular holes in the leaves throughout the summer.
 
If you have noticed skeletonized leaves or a lacy appearance on your arborvitae, Japanese beetles are likely to blame for the destruction.
 
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, why they find these shrubs so tempting, and what you can do to protect your landscape.
 
Let’s jump into everything you need to know about Japanese beetles eating arborvitae.
 

Do Japanese Beetles Eat Arborvitae?

Japanese beetles do eat arborvitae, and they are not picky about which arborvitae variety they attack.
 
These beetles feed on over 300 different plant species, so when Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, they treat it like any other tasty host.
 
Here is how Japanese beetles eat arborvitae and what to look for after feeding:
 

1. Skeletonized Foliage Is a Clear Sign

The most obvious sign that Japanese beetles eat arborvitae is skeletonization between the leaf veins.
 
Japanese beetles eat arborvitae by scraping away the soft green tissue while leaving the tougher veins behind.
 
This gives the arborvitae foliage a lacy, brown, or papery appearance that becomes more obvious as feeding continues.
 
When Japanese beetles eat arborvitae heavily, the entire shrub can look scorched or wilted even though it has been watered properly.
 

2. Feeding Usually Starts at the Top

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae often starting at the top of the shrub and working their way downward over several days.
 
These beetles are strong fliers and they are attracted to the tallest silhouette of the arborvitae first before moving lower.
 
When Japanese beetles eat arborvitae from the top down, the damage can spread quickly if the infestation is not addressed.
 

3. Damage Appears in Late Summer

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae most aggressively during their peak feeding period from late June through August.
 
Adult beetles emerge from the soil and immediately begin to feed, so Japanese beetles eating arborvitae is a seasonal problem you should plan for.
 
If you see damage early in the season, it is almost certainly not from Japanese beetles eating arborvitae because the adults are not active yet.
 

Why Do Japanese Beetles Eat Arborvitae?

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae because these shrubs release chemical cues that attract the beetles to their leaves.
 
Understanding why Japanese beetles eat arborvitae helps you choose the best prevention and control strategies.
 

1. Scent and Taste Attract Japanese Beetles To Arborvitae

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae partly because the leaves emit a volatile scent that the beetles find irresistible.
 
Once a few beetles land and begin feeding, they release aggregation pheromones that attract even more Japanese beetles to eat arborvitae in the same location.
 
This is why you often see clusters of beetles all feeding on one arborvitae shrub while a nearby shrub remains untouched.
 

2. Arborvitae Offer Soft Tender Growth

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae because the new growth at the tips is soft, tender, and easy for their chewing mouthparts to consume.
 
When Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, they prefer the youngest foliage over older, tougher leaves.
 
This means freshly pruned or newly planted arborvitae are especially vulnerable to Japanese beetles eating arborvitae.
 

3. Lack of Natural Defenses in Some Varieties

Japanese beetles eat arborvitae more readily when the shrub lacks strong chemical defenses or thick cuticles.
 
While some arborvitae varieties contain thujone and other compounds that deter insects, many common landscape arborvitae do not repel Japanese beetles effectively.
 
So when Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, they often feed freely without any deterrent from the plant itself.
 

How To Stop Japanese Beetles From Eating Arborvitae

Stopping Japanese beetles from eating arborvitae requires a combination of prevention, physical removal, and targeted treatments.
 
Here are the most effective ways to protect your arborvitae when Japanese beetles eat arborvitae in your yard:
 

1. Hand Pick Beetles in the Morning

If you see Japanese beetles eating arborvitae, hand picking them off is the safest and most immediate solution.
 
Knock beetles into a bucket of soapy water early in the morning when Japanese beetles eat arborvitae and are sluggish from cooler temperatures.
 
This method works well because Japanese beetles eating arborvitae tend to stay on the same plant for several days before moving on.
 

2. Apply Neem Oil Sprays

Neem oil can discourage Japanese beetles from eating arborvitae without harming beneficial insects when applied correctly.
 
Spray your arborvitae thoroughly, especially the new growth, before Japanese beetles eat arborvitae heavily in your area.
 
Neem oil works as an antifeedant, meaning it makes the leaves taste unpleasant so Japanese beetles eat arborvitae less or move elsewhere.
 

3. Use Floating Row Covers on Young Shrubs

For smaller or newly planted arborvitae, row covers physically block Japanese beetles from eating arborvitae during peak season.
 
Cover the shrubs in late June before Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, and remove the covers once the adult beetle activity subsides.
 
This method ensures Japanese beetles cannot reach the arborvitae at all during their feeding window.
 

4. Plant Japanese Beetle Repellent Companions

Placing garlic, chives, catnip, or tansy near your arborvitae may help reduce how many Japanese beetles eat arborvitae nearby.
 
These plants emit strong scents that confuse or repel Japanese beetles when they try to eat arborvitae in the same area.
 
While companion planting is not a perfect solution, it can lower the risk of Japanese beetles eating arborvitae in your garden.
 

So, Do Japanese Beetles Eat Arborvitae?

Yes, Japanese beetles eat arborvitae and they can cause noticeable damage during their summer feeding period.
 
Japanese beetles do eat arborvitae, especially the tender new growth at the tips of the branches.
 
If you have been wondering whether Japanese beetles eat arborvitae, the answer is clear and you now know how to spot the damage and stop the feeding.
 
Take action early in the season to prevent Japanese beetles from eating arborvitae and keep your shrubs looking healthy and full.
 
With a few simple strategies, you can protect your arborvitae and reduce how many Japanese beetles eat arborvitae in your landscape.