Multiple Japanese Beetle Detections Outside Regulated Zones

Via CFIA

Recent surveillance has confirmed Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) detections outside established regulated areas in several British Columbia municipalities, prompting heightened attention from agricultural and horticultural stakeholders. During the 2026 trapping season, beetles were found in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Kamloops, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, and White Rock.

Image credit Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org

While the majority of the more than 3,400 beetles recorded as of August 25, 2026, occurred within existing regulated zones in Kamloops and Port Coquitlam, the smaller numbers outside those boundaries-including four in Abbotsford and one in Pitt Meadows-signal possible attempts by the pest to establish new populations.

The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive regulated pest. Adults feed on the foliage of more than 400 plant species, including blueberries, cranberries, fruit trees, grapevines, roses, and various landscape plants, while larvae damage turfgrass roots. Unchecked spread could inflict substantial economic losses on British Columbia's agricultural sector, as well as widespread harm to lawns, parks, golf courses, and natural ecosystems.

Japanese beetle was first detected in the province in 2017 in Vancouver's False Creek area. In response, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, municipalities, and industry partners have maintained a coordinated eradication effort. Regulated areas currently cover portions of Burnaby, Kamloops, Port Coquitlam, and Vancouver, where year-round movement controls restrict the transport of plants with soil or growing media. Larvicide treatments have been applied annually since 2018. These measures have been effective in Vancouver, where no beetles have been found in recent years.

In response to the new detections, the CFIA has deployed additional traps around the sites to better assess population levels. Trapping helps remove some adult beetles but is not a substitute for larval-stage treatment. At present, there are no plans to expand regulated areas into Abbotsford, Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, or White Rock. Officials will evaluate the full season's data with scientific experts, including the B.C. Plant Protection Advisory Council's Japanese Beetle Technical Advisory Committee, before determining any regulatory changes for 2027. British Columbia's pest-free status for export purposes remains unchanged for now, though future adjustments to domestic or international movement controls remain under discussion.

Industry members, particularly those operating near detection sites, are encouraged to adopt voluntary biosecurity practices. The CFIA's guidance document on movement of plants from regulated areas includes best-management recommendations that can also be applied near non-regulated detections. Commercial growers and landscape operators may set their own traps and should report any catches or sightings immediately to the CFIA by phone (604-292-5742) or email (BCPF.Japanese.Beetle@inspection.gc.ca). Treatment, if needed, must be performed by certified applicators; details are available on the provincial Japanese beetle webpage.

Public reporting of beetle sightings or feeding damage is also urged to support early detection. Ongoing collaboration among regulators, municipalities, and industry remains essential to prevent the pest from becoming firmly established beyond current control zones.