The City of Port Coquitlam is taking proactive steps to protect local parks and green spaces from the invasive Japanese beetle, with larvicide treatment now underway on public lands across the community.
Following the detection of Japanese beetles in community traps, the City has received a Provincial Notice of Requirement to treat affected public lands. In response, treatment will take place throughout spring 2026 in select turf areas, including boulevards, medians and landscape beds on public land on both the north and south sides of Port Coquitlam. Maps of treatment locations are available at portcoquitlam.ca/japanesebeetle.
Treatment involves applying Acelepryn directly to the soil. This targeted larvicide is used to control root-eating grubs and is not harmful to people, pets, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies or other animals. Acelepryn is approved for use in Canada by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency and is permitted under the City’s Pesticide Use Control Bylaw No. 3767.
To help ensure the treatment is effective, residents are asked to avoid treated areas on application days and follow posted signage. City staff will be onsite to provide information about the program and share guidance, including keeping pets off treated grass.
The Japanese beetle is an invasive, federally regulated pest that was first introduced to eastern North America from Japan in 1916. It was detected in Vancouver’s False Creek area in 2017, and since then the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has led trapping and eradication efforts across Metro Vancouver, including Port Coquitlam.
For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/japanesebeetle or contact Public Works at 604.927.5496 or email [email protected].
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