This story was originally published in
High Country News
.
In the serene community rose garden of Grandview, Washington, Amber Betts witnessed the aftermath of an invasive Japanese beetle infestation. The beetle invasion, which had subsided but not disappeared, showcased a few emerald-hued critters feasting on a delicate rose.
The Washington State Department of Agriculture’s public-information officer, Amber Betts, informed me about the immense threat posed by Japanese beetles. Unchecked, their population can spiral out of control, causing significant damage to plants and crops, including cherries and hops. These valuable commodities generated over $800 million in revenue for the state last year. While the beetles have settled in Grandview, authorities are determined to eradicate them from the entire state, as Greg Haubrich, the manager of the state’s pest program, assured me.
Despite their origins in Japan, Japanese beetles were first detected in the United States in 1916 near New Jersey’s Riverton. Over time, they have managed to establish themselves in various states east of the Mississippi River, as well as some areas in the Western United States. In July and August, the beetles lay eggs in the soil, which transform into grubs and feed on grass and plant roots throughout the winter. It’s not until spring when they emerge as adults, drawn to the scent of flowers and fruits.
Over the past three decades, Western states have utilized pesticides to combat infestations, successfully preventing the widespread establishment of the beetles. However, officials often find themselves repeatedly combating reintroductions after temporarily eradicating the pests. For instance, Idaho managed to reduce its infestation by 90% from 2013 to 2015 after capturing thousands of beetles. Nevertheless, the discovery of 77 beetles in Caldwell, Idaho, last year serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle.
In 2020, Japanese beetles were first identified in Grandview through a network of monitoring traps deployed across the state. These rose-scented traps effectively lure and catch beetles, aiding in detection and control efforts. Betts revealed that after discovering only three beetles in 2020, that number skyrocketed to 24,000 the following year thanks to the deployment of hundreds of additional traps in Grandview. While trapping efforts have since reduced the population, the beetles pose a risk not only to crops but also Washington’s native plants, particularly endangered or culturally significant species like huckleberries.
As a response to the growing threat, a quarantine has been instituted in Grandview, with numerous rose-scented traps strategically placed throughout the city. To prevent the spread of beetles, residents are prohibited from transporting materials that could potentially harbor the insects, such as lawn clippings or foliage. Farmers within the quarantine zone must ensure their fields are beetle-free before moving crops or implement pesticide treatments. Additionally, officials seek permission from residents to spray their lawns and gardens annually.
The residents of Grandview and surrounding areas, predominantly involved in agriculture, have played a vital role in the state’s detection and eradication efforts. However, due to Grandview’s location along Interstate 82, a significant agricultural route, quarantine efforts have proven challenging. Last year, multiple beetles were discovered in a garden in Wapato, located about 30 miles north of Grandview. While the Grandview quarantine remains the only one in Washington, a study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology indicates that the beetle could thrive in both eastern and western parts of the state. With the ability to adapt to new environments and given the influence of climate change, experts fear the beetles could expand throughout Washington within two decades.
Gengping Zhu, an entomologist at Washington State University, voiced concerns that many individuals outside of Yakima Valley might not recognize the severity of the beetle threat. As Zhu noted, the sense of urgency surrounding the issue may be lacking in places like Pullman, Seattle, and Spokane.
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