Have you noticed leaves with holes in them, nibbled flowers or damaged fruit in your garden? It could be the fault of Popillia japonica, a small Japanese beetle that looks innocent but causes devastating damage.

This insect, which has also arrived in Italy, feeds on over 300 species of plants: roses, wisteria, lime trees, apple trees, peach trees, vines, corn… in short, everything we love to grow! And the problem is that it doesn’t stop easily: once it arrives, it calls its fellow beetles and in a short time can devastate entire vegetable gardens and gardens.

Who is Popillia japonica?

Native to Japan, Popillia japonica is an invasive insect that has arrived in Europe in recent years. It is easily recognisable by its oval, compact body, about 1 cm long, with a bright metallic green colour and bronze wings. But don’t be fooled by its beauty: it is a voracious defoliator.

Adults feed on leaves, flowers and fruits, leaving plants with a typical “skeleton” appearance, while the larvae, which live in the soil, attack the roots of lawns and crops, causing yellowing and death of the plants.

It affects over 300 plant species, including:

• Roses, wisteria, lime trees, maple trees
• Apple trees, pear trees, peach trees, cherry trees
• Corn, soybeans, potatoes
• Vines and many other ornamental and fruit plants

The good news? There is a trap designed just for you!

At inVerde, we have a simple, safe and natural solution: the MASS® trap for Popillia Japonica.

How does it work?
It is a pheromone trap with a specific floral attractant that attracts both male and female beetles. Once inside, they cannot escape.
It contains no insecticides, is non-toxic, does not harm bees or other beneficial insects, and is ready to use.

Where is it used?
Perfect for vegetable gardens and home gardens, it should be placed at least 1 metre above the ground and about 10 metres from the most affected plants. It is ideal for those who have maple trees, roses, wisteria, apple trees, peach trees, vines, corn, soybeans and many other plants.

Why is it suitable for our green spaces?

It is ideal for those who want to protect their plants naturally, without resorting to chemicals.