bronze beetle

HOW TO CONTROL BRONZE BEETLE

To get rid of bronze beetle follow these steps:

To control adult beetles between October and January spray foliage of affected trees and shrubs with Kiwicare SUPER SPECTRUM.

To protect grass paddocks and lawns from grass grub apply LAWNGARD PRILLS. Ideal for use from February to late Autumn but can be used effectively through to Spring. The prills must be watered in, so sprinkle before moderate to heavy rain (13mm) or water the area thoroughly after treatment with a sprinkler.

About

Bronze beetles and its lavae the grass grub are found throughout New Zealand and are considered to be New Zealand's major pasture and lawn pest. Grass grub lawn damage shows as patchy areas of dead grass; usually seen from March.

In October, November and December when the adult bronze beetles emerge from their pupae, massed flights of soft buzzing, slow flying beetles often occur on still warm nights. Later, these beetles congregate in huge numbers, they feed on fruit trees and shrubs which are often severely defoliated.

Eggs are laid in the soil during summer; normally hatching after about 2 weeks. The small larvae then feed on the roots of grasses until spring, growing to 20-25mm long. Infested turf and pasture turns yellow and dies off leaving a dead mat of turf.

During the late autumn and winter the grubs do not eat in the top 5cm of soil. The grubs are usually found about 15cm below the surface and control of the grub requires getting insecticide to this level in the soil. Treatment is most effective from February to March.

Did you know

The scientific name of bronze beetle (grass grub) is - Costelytra zealandica

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• Your Lawn Care Guide
• Know Your Garden Insect Pests

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