Thousands of Japanese beetles are lunching on vegetation in a small Whitesboro neighborhood. Neighbors say this year seems to be worst then in the past.

The Japanese beetle is no stranger to Central New York. From around July 4th, and five to six weeks after, it feeds on bushes. At Sollecito's in Syracuse, owner Jim says the best way to get rid of them, is to buy bags that attract the beetles inside.

Japanese beetles feed off vines, roses, grapes plants, and more. Some areas, like Whitesboro will see more of the critters based on last year's rainfall. Japanese beetles live in the ground the entire year, besides these six weeks. The wetter the better.

Landscapers suggest pruning the damaged plants, they'll grow back.

Click the video icon to see Jon Dougherty's full report.

Below are some additional tips for preventing Japanese beetles from eating up your garden.

~Japanese beetles- start appearing around 4th of July, here for 4-6 weeks.
~Sustainable approach strategy: resistant varieties of plants, using natural products or hand pick them into some ammonia, and expect to tolerate a little unsightly damage.
~You also can use the chemical spray Sevin, but that will kill honey bees.
~The beetle bags work great. They'll attract all kinds of beetles into them and away from your garden.