An invasive non-native species, the Japanese beetle, is rapidly spreading throughout Missouri, showing a strong affinity for particular plants and foraging in groups of up to 25.For those grappling with the Japanese beetle invasion in their Missouri gardens, the University of Missouri Extension (MUE) shares effective strategies for battling these destructive pests and protecting beloved plants.“Patience and a bucket of soapy water are your best friends when fending off Japanese beetles in the garden,” stated MUE Horticulturist Tamra Reall. “It’s recommended to tap beetles off plants by hand and put them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. You can also shake them off the plant into the bucket. Doing this daily can reduce numbers and avoid attracting more beetles. It’s best to do this each morning because the beetles release a pheromone to attract more beetles throughout the day. Highly valued plants can be protected with cheesecloth or fi...