Do Japanese Beetles Bite?

Japanese beetles can bite, but it is very rare for a person or pet to be bitten by one. This is largely because Japanese beetles are herbivores and will for the most part steer clear of animals.

To be safe, it’s best to wear garden gloves when handling Japanese beetles, though. But, even if you pick them up with your bare hands, you’ll still probably not be bitten.

And even if you are unlucky enough to get bitten by one, you don’t have to worry too much because Japanese beetles are not poisonous. The worst that will probably happen is that the bite will swell a little. Just take care to keep it clean and make sure that it doesn’t get infected.

A Japanese beetle bite can be treated just like any other insect bite. Hydrocortisone cream works great to reduce swelling and itching. Calamine lotion is effective if there is any weeping from the wound.