Rose Chafer Trap

The Rose Chafer Trap and Lure Kit (# 3012ORG) contains a potent lure that should be replaced annually. Replacement Lure (# 3012L) sold separately.

This unique formula lure has proven to be excellent at luring and capturing large numbers of Rose Chafers when used with a white Japanese beetle trap design. The Rose Chafer Trap comes with a durable, reusable, gallon catch container. The traps should be placed at least 30' away from the target foliage or plants. For larger acreage, place a trap every 200' around the perimeter of the property. Replace only the lure every year.

This fawn-coloured, long-legged beetle usually appears in late May or early June for about three weeks. Adults are about 10 mm in length and are covered with dull yellow hairs. They move sluggishly on the leaves and stems of plants. There is only one generation per year. Their winters are spent in the larval or grub stage in light, sandy soils. These grubs will feed on the roots of roses and lawn grasses causing serious damage.

In the spring, the larvae come to the surface and pupate. The pupae stage takes place in May and lasts about 2 weeks. Adults emerge as Beautybush and European Highbush Cranberry (Viburnum opulus) are blooming. They feed on the flowers, buds, and foliage for 3-6 weeks. The damaged leaves will appear skeletonized. Adults will also attack grapes, raspberries, roses, berries and other garden flowers. After the feeding, they lay their eggs in the soil where they will hatch in late summer.

Light infestations, which are more likely in the home garden, can be controlled by hand picking and destroying the beetles. Since much of the life cycle is spent at or below the surface of the soil, working the soil can prove effective in control. Cultivating in May will destroy pupae. In July, eggs will be killed, and in the fall, larvae will be destroyed.

This pest will not breed in moist soil or shaded areas. Therefore, increasing the amount of shade or adding clover to grass will increase the moisture in the soil and reduce survival of larvae. This insect has few natural enemies and is poisonous to birds.