Japanese beetles are back this year, Japanese beetles are those shiny metallic green headed beetles you have seen eating away on your plants.

These beetles feed on flowers and vegetables skeletonizing the leaves, leaving only veins. The beetles prefer feeding in full sun and rarely feed in heavy shade. Adults will be present until August so be on the lookout.

Generally pesticide sprays of carbaryl (Sevin) can show some control up to two weeks. Remember, Sevin is toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. Synthetic pyrethroids can also be effective.

Studies have shown that picking them off by hand can be very effective. Beetles, when disturbed fold their legs and drop. So, with a container of rubbing alcohol under the leaves, when touched the beetles drop into it and are killed.

Japanese beetle traps are not recommended because it increases population near them and thus increases plant damage. Just because you are catching some doesn't mean you are reducing your population.

Birds also feast on these insects. So, invite your feathered friends over to visit to help with control.

Last, these insects rarely kill plants, so use the control method best suited for you. It is best to use control measures where plant damage is obvious like a building entrance or in your landscape.