🪲 Japanese Beetles and Bagworms in Kansas City: What They Are and How They Threaten Your Landscape

Kansas City homeowners take pride in their lawns and landscapes—but two pests can do serious damage if left unchecked: Japanese beetles and bagworms. These insects don’t just nibble around the edges—they can devastate trees, shrubs, and even your lawn. At Turf Geeks, we’re here to help you understand the threat and take action before it’s too late.

🌳 What Are Japanese Beetles?

Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are invasive insects that appear in the Kansas City area each summer—usually starting in late June or early July. Adult beetles are shiny metallic green with bronze wings and about ½ inch long.

What Damage Do They Cause?

• Trees & Shrubs: Adults skeletonize leaves, feeding between the veins and turning foliage into lace. Roses, lindens, birches, and grapes are prime targets.

• Lawns: Their larvae, known as white grubs, live underground and feed on grass roots. This causes dead patches in turf, especially during hot, dry weather.

Signs you have a grub problem:

• Brown, dying patches of lawn

• Turf that lifts easily like a carpet

• Birds or raccoons digging for grubs

🐛 What Are Bagworms?

Bagworms are caterpillars that build distinctive spindle-shaped silk bags covered in bits of foliage. They’re most often found on evergreens like arborvitae, juniper, and spruce but can attack deciduous trees as well.

Why Are They a Threat?

• Feeding Damage: Bagworms strip needles and leaves, defoliating branches. Heavy infestations can kill entire shrubs—especially stressed plants or younger trees.

• Hard to Spot Early: They camouflage well and by the time the damage is obvious, it's often extensive.

💣 Why These Pests Are a Big Problem in Kansas City

Our warm, humid summers create perfect conditions for both grub development in lawns and explosive bagworm hatching. In recent years, heavy rains in spring followed by hot weather have led to larger beetle and bagworm outbreaks.

🧪 Turf Geeks' Pest Control Strategy

At Turf Geeks, we offer science-backed, K-State research-informed pest control options that target both problems:

✅ For Japanese Beetles:

• Preventative and curative grub control applications (based on soil temps and pressure)

• Foliar sprays for adult beetles on roses, linden trees, and other ornamentals

✅ For Bagworms:

• Early-season spraying in late May to mid-June—timed before bags get too large

• Manual removal and targeted treatments for infestations on evergreens

📅 When Should You Act?

• Now is the time to scout for bagworms on evergreens—they hatch in early June.

• Japanese beetles typically appear late June—treat before adults emerge or while they’re active.

• Grub control should be timed between June and early August for best results.

💬 Don’t Let Pests Take Over Your Landscape

Protect your investment. Whether you’re dealing with browning shrubs, lacey leaves, or dead patches in your lawn, Turf Geeks is your local expert in pest and lawn care. We offer customized plans built around Kansas City’s unique climate and turf challenges.

📞 Call now for a free lawn health inspection or book online at TurfGeeksKC.com