Traps are being set up in the metro region starting today as officials work to eradicate the invasive Japanese beetle.
The department of forestry says 14 of the pests were identified at eight sites in the St. John’s area in 2024, and last year there were 100 detections across 26 sites.
Because the number of sites increased last year, the area of concern has expanded.
Skeletonized leaf damage from Japanese beetle Photo credit: Troy Kimoto, CFIA
No beetles have been detected yet this year because it’s believed the creatures have not yet emerged.
Department official Sabrina Ellsworth says they’re hopeful it can be eradicated with a larvicide application program.
Japanese beetle traps (CFIA)
She says the larvicide, which is approved and regulated by Health Canada, won’t harm pets, birds, bees or people.
In the meantime, if you do happen to see the colourful beetles in your garden, don’t squish them, but try to capture them in a sealed jar and contact government officials.
