WSDA Gearing Up To Fight Japanese Beetles For Another Season

The Washington State Department of agriculture is planning on treating areas in Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and King counties for Japanese beetle.  WSDA said they plan on treating over 18,000 properties in 2026.

Sunnyside Treatment Area:

Those properties in central Washington and King County need multiple treatments under the ongoing eradication project, which includes application of a “reduced risk” pesticide, Acelepryn, that is not considered a health risk for humans, pets, wildlife and other insects (including bees) that don't go through a larval stage in soil.  To receive treatment, WSDA says consent must be given for each property, each year. 

Wapato Treatment Area:

Consent Is Needed To Treat For Japanese Beetles

WSDA mailed consent forms to properties within the treatment area, requesting consent to be given by March 31st.

“It is crucial to return a consent form for each property,” the Department noted.

Tri-Cities Treatment Area:

Give consent by submitting the online consent form (preferred) or returning the consent form in the enclosed business reply envelope.  WSDA said for those that reside within the treatment area and have not received a treatment consent form:

• enter your parcel number to give consent online, or
• download a form and email the completed form to pest@agr.wa.gov, or
• call (800) 443-6684 to request a consent form

The WSDA is viviting everyone living in Washington interested in learning how to protect their yard or community to participate in a Webinar Tuesday, February 10th, at 6 a.m.  Topics include how to sign up, prepare for treatments, and know when a treatment is over.   Those interested in this week's Webinar can register by visiting the WSDA's Japanese Beetle Treatment Webinar Website.

King County Treatment Area:

More About the Pesticide, Acelepryn

A licensed professional contracted by WSDA will follow regulations to apply Acelepryn, a reduced-risk insecticide with the active ingredient chlorantraniliprole, as treatment to target Japanese beetle.  According to the EPA, reduced risk insecticides pose less of a risk to human health and the environment than other insecticides used for the same purpose. Professional application is also more environmentally friendly than an untrained user who may choose harsher chemicals to attempt to control the pest on their own.

WSDA said Acelepryn kills eggs, grubs, and adult Japanese beetles. According to the Washington State Department of Health, it is not a risk to mammals, birds, or fish. It is EPA-approved for use around homes, schools, businesses, athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds.  Spring treatments focus on treating lawns. If funding is available, WSDA contractors may also conduct foliar (leaf) treatments in the summer in targeted areas.

Learn more about efforts against the Japanese Bettle by visiting the WSDA's 2026 Treatment Webpage.

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