They might be pretty to look at, but the presence of the invasive Japanese beetle is of significant concern after being detected several years in a row in the metro region.

The beetles likely hitched a ride to the province in plants or soil brought in from the mainland.

The creatures are known to consume some 300 plant, flower and tree species and have no natural predators.

They are particularly attracted to roses, and can consume all parts of the plant in short order.

Director of Agricultural Production and Research with the provincial government, Sabrina Ellsworth, says while gardeners might be compelled to squish the pests if spotted, she warns against it.

“If you do squish one, there’s a pheromone that they release that will potentially call others. So, we don’t want to be squishing them, we want to contain them in a sealed container and report them right away.”