Best Practices During Japanese Beetle Flight Season
Now over a month into flight season, beetles are on the move, actively seeking mates and nourishment from their preferred plants, which include over 300 different species such as roses, maples, and grapes. While these beetles may not attract much attention in small numbers, it's crucial to stay vigilant as they can emerge in landscapes, gardens, trees, and row crops.
To prevent the spread of Japanese beetles, here are some best practices to follow:
1. Follow Movement Restrictions: : Adhere strictly to movement restrictions in place.
2. Inspect plants: Japanese beetles can hide in leafy vegetation. Before leaving a regulated area, shake plants and wash them to remove any soil and beetles.
3. Leave Plants with Soil Attached on Site: Whenever possible, leave plants with soil or soil-related material attached at their original location. If you need to transport these materials, you will need a movement certificate from the CFIA.
4. Reporting Suspected Beetles: If you spot a suspected Japanese beetle or evidence of feeding, take a high-resolution photo, note the exact location, and report it immediately to the Canadian Food inspection Agency (CFIA) at 604-292-5742 or via email at cfia.wstJBSJ.acia@canada.ca.
Your cooperation is crucial in protecting our landscapes and agriculture from the spread of these invasive pests.
How to Identify Japanese Beetle
Measuring approximately one centimeter in length, Japanese beetles are identifiable by their distinctive features:
• 12 tufts of white hair along the abdomen
• metallic green head and body
• copper-brown wing covers.
Should you come across these insects, it's important to report your sighting promptly to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) by calling 604-292-5742 OR emailing cfia.wstJBSJ.acia@canada.ca.
Use our Look-Alikes Factsheet to help identify what insects you may be looking at. Remember to take a photo of suspect Japanese beetle and note down where you discovered it to help us record sightings!