A University of Missouri entomologist expects Japanese beetles to be a key pest in Missouri next growing season.

 Kevin Rice tells Brownfield the beetles are hardy in Missouri because the state’s climate is similar to its natural habitat in Asia.

“They can borrow up to 12 inches underground so, they’re immune to cold winters, that’s not going to affect them,” he said. “Flooding does not affect them either because, again, they can move down 12 inches.

…