Do Japanese Beetles Burrow in the Ground?

Japanese beetle larva (also called grubs) spend that part of their life cycle burrowed about 2 to 3 inches under the ground surface.

The adult female Japanese beetle burrows underground in order to lay her eggs. In doing so, she protects the eggs from predators above ground and also from extreme temperatures and drought.

Most importantly though, the larva are in position there to feed on the roots of grass and other vegetation while they are buried underground. They spend many months suspended in their subterranean home while they grow.

When environmental conditions dictate that the larva emerge, they shed their skin and come above ground as adults now, to remain there for the rest of their lives.

If you have a Japanese beetle infestation in your yard, it is likely that the beetle grubs are feeding on and weakening the roots of the turf from underground. You need to take steps to kill not only the adults, but also the grubs that are burrowed under the surface in order to protect the health of your lawn.