The European Chafer beetle is here to stay, but residents can minimize the damage and once again be proud of their lawns by changing how they care for their grass. Remember: the best defense against the Chafer beetle is a healthy lawn.
The City of Port Coquitlam is working with other Tri-City communities to help residents deal with this invasive pest.
Read this page and check the links at left to learn about effective prevention and control options involving natural lawn-care techniques. Please note that the use of cosmetic pesticides is banned in Port Coquitlam by the Pesticide Use and Control Bylaw.
What is the European Chafer Beetle?
European Chafer beetle is an invasive insect pest that has spread throughout Metro Vancouver over the last decade.
Adult Chafer beetles are tan or brown, measuring approximately 1.5cm (0.5in) long. The larvae (or grubs) have brown heads, white C-shaped bodies, six prominent legs and are smaller than a dime.
The beetles damage lawns in two main ways:
- The larvae feed on the roots of grass during the summer.
- With the grass weakened, birds and animals can easily peel back portions of turf in the fall and winter to search underneath for plump larvae to eat.
How do I address or prevent a Chafer beetle infestation?
Maintaining a healthy lawn is the best way to prevent and control an infestation. It’s also important to understand the life cycle of the beetle to tailor your year-round lawn care. Here are some general tips for controlling and preventing infestations:
How to Apply Nematodes
Steps for Applying Nematodes
- Buy nematodes from a reputable supplier. Most specialty garden stores are more likely to carry the most effective Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) family of nematodes. There are approximately 50 million nematodes in an average package, which will cover 750 square feet.
- Store nematodes in proper conditions and be sure to use them as soon as possible. Because they are live organisms, they will normally only last 2 weeks in a refrigerator that is between 37° and 42°
- Apply nematodes in or near the 3rd week of July. Make sure it is either a cloudy day, or you are applying them in the evening as they are very sensitive to light and heat.
As not all varieties of nematodes require extensive watering, please consult with the garden store before buying.
Sprinkler Permit Application for Nematodes - Apply Now
Calendar of Lawn Care and Chafer Life Cycle
Tailoring your lawn care to the Chafer beetle’s lifecycle can help prevent and control infestations.