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What is the Japanese Beetle?

The Japanese beetle is a small insect that carries a big threat. They do not discriminate on what types of plants they feed on. In fact, they are classified as a pest to hundreds of different species of plants. They are one of the major pests causing monumental damage to crops and forests in North America each year. They lay eggs in the soil in summer, which develop into tiny white grubs. These grubs will remain under wraps for about 10 months, overwintering and growing in the soil while feeding on grass and plant roots. The grubs emerge from the soil as adult beetles and begin feeding and mating in early summer, starting the cycle over again. They usually attack plants in groups, which is why damage is so severe. Although the lifecycle of the adult Japanese beetle is barely 40 days, it can still cover a lot of ground through flying long distances.

Prevention and Control

Take action now to stop the spread. Repeated annual treatments are the best option to control this pest. For general preventive maintenance, experts recommend keeping your landscape healthy by removing diseased and poorly nourished plants from your landscape. Good horticultural practices, including watering and fertilizing, will reduce the damage caused by these beetles, but oftentimes other conventional methods of control will be needed. ‘

The Japanese beetle is a prolific breeder. So even if you succeed in controlling the Japanese beetle population on your property, your neighbour’s beetles will likely still come on over. Be on alert and take immediate action as soon as this pest is detected, keeping in mind that the most effective control is when they are in the larval stage.

2019 Zone Map

Japanese Beetle Regulated Areas

Restricted Movement of Green Waste

  • The movement of soil, ornamental grasses with soil attached, sod with soil attached, and outdoor ornamental plants with soil attached is restricted year-round (see zone map above for regulated areas)
  • From June 15 – October 15 (adult beetle flight period), the movement of all above-ground plant parts is restricted, including pruning debris and grass clippings. Green waste that is run through a brush chipper on-site is exempted, as are completely bare (no foliage attached) branches and wood.
  • Homeowner’s green waste may be disposed of in their regular green bin. This green waste from homeowners is incinerated.
  • The temporary Japanese Beetle Transfer Station will be at the same location as last year – West 1st Ave and Wylie St, from 2-6pm daily. It will open June 15th.

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