ODA Strategizing for Second Year of Japanese Beetle Eradication

The Oregon Department of Agriculture captured more than 23,000 Japanese Beetles on the western side of the state last year and the number continues to increase.

Clint Burfitt, manager of ODA’s Insect Pest Prevention and Management Program, remains optimistic the current infestation of Japanese beetle can be eradicated. But the high number of detections indicates it’s a serious situation.

“I think the threat is more imminent now because of the numbers that we are seeing and the fact we did see damage to plants within the epicenter of the population. So it’s not hypothetical, it’s for real.”

ODA is currently making plans for the next steps in trying to deal with the eradication of the Japanese Beetle that will take place in the affected areas next year.

ODA entomologist Chris Hedstrom said the number caught this year was high, but he’s optimistic about next year.

“In 2017, at the end of the summer, we had trapped a total of 23,000 beetles, which was higher than expected but most of those beetles were in the treatment area. So we are confident those populations will start to go down.”

Residents in the affected area can expect to receive a letter in January explaining the situation and the need for their consent in order for ODA to treat their property again next year.