Japanese Beetle Treatment

Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) has been detected in the City of Port Coquitlam. This invasive insect can cause serious damage to gardens, lawns and plants in our city. If you see this beetle or signs of feeding damage, please report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) here.

To prevent the spread of this damaging pest, follow these simple steps:

  • Keep soil and green waste on site (compost!) or use your green bin to dispose of soil and plant waste.
  • Check your clothes, vehicles and equipment for hitchhikers, especially when leaving parks, fields, golf courses or other greenspaces.
  • Report sightings of this distinctive looking insect to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and find out more here.

The City is working directly with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as the Japanese Beetle is a federally regulated invasive pest. Monitoring for this pest has been ongoing since 2017 by the CFIA and will continue until they deem it eradicated or under control. The City will continue to work with CFIA to undertake further treatments if required.

Treatment

Larvicide treatment (Acelepryn) is not harmful to people, pets, or other animals/pollinators. However, we ask that people stay off the turf for 24 hours post-treatment to give the larvicide a chance to take effect.

Treatment: Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Japanese Beetle treated?

The Japanese beetle has the potential to significantly damage urban landscapes and agricultural crops. Japanese beetle adults are heavy feeders, attacking the flowers, foliage, and fruit of more than 250 plant species, including roses, blueberries, grapes, maples, and elms.

Is the treatment product dangerous?

No, Acelepyrn is not is not harmful to you, pets, other animals or pollinators like bees or butterflies. It is applied to soil and targets root eating grubs. We ask that you stay off the turf for 24 hrs post-treatment so that it will give the larvicide a chance to take effect.

Will the City have to apply this pesticide again?

The City is working directly with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as the Japanese Beetle is a federally regulated invasive pest. Monitoring for this pest has been ongoing since 2017 by the CFIA and will continue until they deem it eradicated or under control. The City applied treatment in May 2022, and will continue to work with CFIA to undertake further treatments if required.

When was the City notified of the Japanese Beetle in our area?

The City has been monitoring the detection of Japanese Beetle since it was detected in Vancouver in 2017. CFIA has been undertaking advanced monitoring since 2017 across Metro Vancouver, including Port Coquitlam. The City was notified of the first detection in 2020, and was notified of the second detection in late 2021. Additional Japanese Beetles have since been detected within the community.

When was Japanese Beetle first detected in BC?

Japanese beetle, Popilla japonica, an invasive, regulated pest in Canada, was first introduced to eastern North America from Japan in 1916 and was detected in the False Creek area of the City of Vancouver in 2017. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been undertaking an eradication program with the City of Vancouver, and has undertaken an advanced trapping program across Metro Vancouver, including the City of Port Coquitlam.

What can I do?

It is not uncommon for beetles to be transported via plants or gardening equipment that is moved throughout our region. The City advises you to speak with your landscaper about the pest and that they properly clean their equipment if they are moving around the region. For more information, please visit the Invasive Species Council of BC’s website at www.bcinvasives.ca for information on how to help stop the spread. Report any potential sightings or plat damage to the CFIA at 604-292-5742 or email cfia.wstJBSJ.acia@canada.ca.

Learn more

View the resources below to learn more about the impact of Japanese beetles.

Japanese Beetle Lifecycle
Japanese Beetle Lookalikes
Related Links
  • More information on identifying regulated area, restricting plant, soil, and landscape waste movement, permits for moving restricted waste, placing traps for beetles, and intaking reported beetle sightings from the CFIA
  • Beetle education and awareness from Invasive Species Council of BC
  • More information on eradication effort, decision to eradicate Japanese beetle, and treatment product being used from BC Ministry of Agriculture
  • Details on the impact on landscaping from BC Landscape & Nursery Association

Contact

Scott Walmsley
Environmental Coordinator
Tel: 604.927.5490
Email: walmsleys@portcoquitlam.ca