The provincial government has contracted a landscaping company to begin spray treatments in the St. John’s region targeting the larvae of the invasive Japanese beetle.
The insect can have serious impacts on up to 300 plant species, and appears to have established itself in the capital city’s downtown.
An insect trap tied to a fence in Bannerman Park (VOCM News)
The treatments, which are weather dependent, will focus on the capital city’s downtown – where the beetle was detected.
Areas being treated will include Government House and a portion of land owned by the City of St. John’s next to Victoria Street and Duckworth Street.
Signs will be put up to indicate that treatment has occurred, and when people can re-enter.
Government says the larvicide acelepryn is approved for use by Health Canada, and is not harmful to humans or pets.
