The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is a harmful invasive insect that poses a serious threat to Oregon and other western states. The largest infestation in Oregon was found in 2016 in the Cedar Mill, Bonny Slope, Oak Hills, and Bethany areas of Washington County.

This invasive insect can be destructive in multiple life stages. If it spreads widely in the state, it could destroy over 300 types of plants, leading to more pesticide use to protect crops and gardens. If we aren’t able to eradicate of the current population, the beetles will keep spreading, causing widespread destruction throughout Oregon and the western United States.

To prevent this, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) is working on a multi-year project to eradicate the Japanese beetles before they become established in Oregon. With help from local communities and municipalities, this project aims to protect Oregon’s agriculture and natural environment.

ODA will start its eighth year of beetle treatments in April 2025. Most residents within the treatment area will have received a permission form to allow ODA contractors to treat their yards with the larvicide that kills the underground grubs that would otherwise emerge as beetles.

We’ll have more information in the April issue. In the meantime here is the link for the ODA website about the beetles.