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We’re winning against the Japanese beetle!
Remember to keep yard debris out of the landfill!
by Ashley Toland, ODA

Earlier this summer, the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s IPPM program continued its multi-year effort to eradicate Japanese beetle. From April to June, ODA applied granular larvicide treatment to approximately 8,500 properties in Washington County. Treatment primarily consisted of one granular larvicide treatment applied to all grass lawns and/or ornamental planting beds in areas where beetles were detected in 2018. Acelepryn G® is a targeted larvicide that kills certain pests in their larval state in the soil. This is a “reduced risk” pesticide and is not considered to be a health risk for humans, pets, or wildlife, including pollinators, when applied according to label directions.

Japanese beetle adult feeding on a rose

For the first time this year, the granular treatment (Acelepryn G®) was supplemented with a foliar spray (Acelepryn®) in areas with higher Japanese beetle populations. The foliar application has the same active ingredient (chlorantraniliprole) as the granular treatment, and therefore the same minimal risks. Properties within 200 meters of a Japanese beetle trap that collected 75+ beetles in 2018 were included in the higher density treatment area. Treatment was sprayed in late June on non-edible ornamental trees, shrubs and plants that are known Japanese beetle hosts.

The spray has no known adverse effects on beneficial and non-target organisms, including earthworms and honeybees. We specifically chose this pesticide because it is not only highly effective but it is also registered as a reduced risk pesticide under the EPA. Here at ODA we also try to promote pollinator preservation, and we are also trying to use products that would allow people who are wary of pesticides to feel at ease. 

The 2017 eradication resulted in a 34% decrease in Japanese beetle populations in 2018. ODA will have more information on the impact of the 2018 treatment when the Japanese beetle trap numbers are totaled in fall of this year. The impact of this year’s eradication will not be known until Fall of 2020. This is a multi-year project, and although the area was treated, residents may find adult beetles on their property for the next few years. ODA will know the 2020 treatment area boundary in late Fall/ Early Winter 2019.

Quarantine on yard debris continues

As a reminder, a quarantine is in place to restrict the movement of high-risk yard debris to currently unaffected locations in the state, in order to keep the beetle contained to Washington County and increase the likelihood of eradication. For small loads, use your yard debris curbside cart and Waste Management, Pride, and Walker Garbage will transport directly to the Hillsboro Landfill. For landscapers and other large loads—use the free drop-off site at Northwest Landscape Services in Hillsboro. To see the quarantine boundary or the list of materials that are considered quarantined yard debris visit www.japanesebeetlepdx.info/prevention.

If Japanese beetle establishes in Oregon, it will be more than just a garden pest, but also a huge threat to agriculture. An economic analysis completed by ODA concluded that farmers would spend an estimated $43 million annually to combat Japanese beetle. Restrictions on farming exports would reduce the marketability of Oregon’s specialty crops, hurting Oregon’s economy. In addition, homeowners, parks, schools, and golf courses could expect to see severe damage to lawns and landscaping.

Without the cooperation of the residents in the treatment area this project would not be possible. Almost 99% of residents consented to the granular treatment. Thank you to the residents of Cedar Mill for your support in helping eradicate this invasive and destructive pest!

For more information on the Japanese beetle eradication project visit www.JapaneseBeetlePDX.info. Please do not hesitate to contact ODA by calling 1-800-525-0137 or emailing: japanesebeetle@oda.state.or.us.

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