Avoid growing these 5 plants that attract Japanese beetles, warn pest control experts – they're magnets for these shiny, destructive critters

Japanese beetles are one of those pests you might not notice, but you'll certainly spot the destruction they leave behind. Measuring just half an inch long, these shiny little beetles have metallic green bodies and feed on foliage and petals. Not only this, but their larvae feed on plant roots. Finding an effective way to keep them out of your yard is therefore key to protecting your planting.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of and kill Japanese beetles if you do find them in your yard. But, taking precautionary measures is often the most effective way to stop their damage. This includes avoiding the plants that attract Japanese beetles, making your yard less attractive to them.

Just like Japanese beetle-repellent plants, there are also plants they swarm towards. Pest control experts say avoiding growing them in your garden will help lessen the chances of their presence. Here, they share five plants that attract Japanese beetles to add to your banned planting list.

5 plants that attract Japanese beetles

Alongside avoiding these plants, strengthen your Japanese beetle control efforts by growing the best pest-repellent plants, like with these marigold seeds from Amazon.

1. Roses

Japanese beetles are one of the rose pests that can wipe out these romantic blooms. They skeletonize the foliage of roses, leaving behind a lace-like pattern. Not only this, but Japanese beetles can also completely consume the flowers.

'Roses are the most common target I have seen. When the flowers bloom, the scent draws beetles in,' says pest control expert Ed Dolshun.

If you are keen to grow roses as part of a fragrant garden, it's best to opt for some rose companion plants that can ward off Japanese beetles. This includes geraniums (from Nature Hills) and marigolds (seeds from Burpee).

Ed Dolshun

Ed is the Catchmaster® brand’s vice president of business development and technical director, and an expert in pest control. He has over 12 years experience in the pest management industry.

2. Hollyhocks

Another cottage garden plant to avoid if you don't want to attract Japanese beetles is hollyhocks. These tall spikes of charming blooms won't just amaze your guests; they also capture the attention of pests that destroy plants.

'Just like roses, hollyhock flowers produce a sweet-smelling fragrance that is attractive to Japanese beetles,' says pest control expert Morgan Wilson.

'Additionally, the bright colors of the flowers provide a visual cue for the beetles, and the petals are soft and easy to chew,' she adds.

If, however, your hollyhocks have orange spots on their leaves, it is rather a sign of hollyhock rust over pest damage. Inspect foliage and flowers regularly to protect your hollyhocks from pest and disease damage.

Morgan Wilson

Morgan Wilson is a Technical Services Manager at Fox Pest Control. Morgan is a recent Ph.D. graduate of Virginia Tech's Department of Entomology, specializing in Urban Pest Management.

3. Japanese maples

For a tree to avoid growing if you don't want to attract Japanese beetles, it's best not to add any of the best varieties of Japanese maples to your yard.

'Japanese maples have soft, veiny leaves that are nutritious to Japanese beetles,' Morgan explains.

It's therefore not uncommon to find your acer trees with skeletonized foliage if Japanese beetles have visited them. While it can strip your acer of healthy foliage, established trees are likely to recover in the long term.

Use tips to revive old Japanese maples to help get your acer to a healthier state. You'll likely need essential pruning tools for this, like these pruning shears from Amazon.

4. Peach trees

The best fruit trees are also at risk of Japanese beetle damage. Peach trees in particular are on the list of plants that attract Japanese beetles.

'Fruit trees such as peach trees provide soft leaves and fruit. It is the perfect set-up for Japanese beetles when you have large trees that can provide a long-term food supply,' Ed Dolshun explains.

So, if you have a kitchen garden, consider having fewer fruit trees; otherwise, you could attract these destructive beetles to take out all of your crops.

Though if you are keen to have a peach tree, or already have an established one in your yard, manage Japanese beetle damage by handpicking them off and using physical barriers, like this fruit tree netting from Amazon.

5. Grape vines

Another fruit crop to avoid growing when trying to keep Japanese beetles away is the grape vine.

The larvae of these beetles will consume grape vine plant roots, and the adults strip the leaves.

In turn, this will affect your plant's ability to grow grapes, as skeletonized leaves will not be able to carry out essential plant processes, like photosynthesis.

You can manage pest damage to grape vines by regularly checking leaves and pruning grape vines to keep them healthy.

FAQs

Which flowering plants are safe from Japanese beetle damage?

Flowering plants that Japanese beetles are less likely to attack include magnolias, chrysanthemums, and larkspur. Generally speaking, plants with tougher foliage are less attractive to Japanese beetles, who favor soft, easy-to-consume leaves and petals.

Other ways to manage Japanese beetles in your yard include encouraging beneficial insects. In particular, ground beetles and parasitic wasps will help manage Japanese beetle populations by feeding on them.

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