ODA Going After Japanese Beetle

Japanese Beetle has become a problem for Oregon, particularly in the Northwestern part of the state and so the Oregon Department of Agriculture has announced a plan to eradicate the pest for good.

Clint Burfitt of ODA’s Insect Pest Prevent and Management Program said the plan will be to use a granular insecticide.

“According to the label, it does not pose a hazard to humans or domesticated animals if we use it according to label. This is about as low risk an insecticide as we could find that would also be effective in eradicating Japanese beetle.”

The invasive insect negatively impact agriculture and ornamental plants.

Burfitt said the project will take multiple years and will be limited to areas harboring the pest.

“So not only are we creating really nice habitat for immature Japanese beetles– what we call larvae– in the turf, but then we are also planting a lot of plants in and around our homes and in our agricultural areas that are very attractive to adults. The one thing it’s most attracted to is roses.”

The move, while limited to the Portland area, will help protect the entire state’s agriculture by destroying an invasive pest.