Japanese beetle season is beginning in Maine, and you are likely to see plenty of shiny green scarabs on your plants and in your lawn again this year. Populations have been increasing over the past few years, helped by mild winters. While they won’t kill your crops, the leaf- and grass-eaters can be deterred through several simple methods. “Based on the last two years, this could be a banner year for beetles,” said Jim Dill, pest specialist for the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Credit: Troy R. Bennett / BDN | 