An ODA survey technician checks a Japanese beetle trap. Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Agriculture

Oregon Department of Agriculture issues update on Japanese beetle eradication effort

Survey technicians with the Oregon Department of Agriculture have trapped approximately 4,000 Japanese beetles this summer, as part of an ongoing effort to eradicate the invasive pests.

“Thus far, the detections and population size are greater than we expected,” Clint Burfitt, ODA program manager, said. “These preliminary results emphasize the need to continue to work together and maintain support for this important community-based project.”

Burfitt emphasized the need to use best management practices in disposing of green waste and yard debris generated from the infested area. High-risk material includes grass clippings, sod and plants with roots. The materials from curbside green waste and yard debris containers within the treatment and quarantine boundary are being buried at a landfill near Hillsboro, Oregon. Landscapers are encouraged to use Northwest Landscaping Services (1800 NW Cornelius Pass Rd., Hillsboro).

Japanese beetles in trap. Photo courtesy of Oregon Department of Agriculture

Japanese beetles can wreak havoc on agricultural crops, residential lawns and landscaping. This past spring, ODA completed the first stage of a five-year Japanese beetle eradication project targeting a 1,000-acre, largely residential area of Washington County, near Portland, where record numbers of the pest were trapped last year.

In national news, the Midwest and the Great Plains states are also experiencing record-high Japanese beetle populations. The USDA is regulating 16 airports, which impacts approximately seven air cargo carriers. The surveillance traps at PDX have picked up nine Japanese beetles at the air cargo section of the airport.

“By the end of August, we will have more data and a better picture of the population density and locations to report,” Burfitt said.