Vancouver sees progress on eradication of Japanese beetle, but bug still spreading in B.C.
Invasive Species Researchers Celebrate Decrease in Japanese Beetle Population in Vancouver
After years of dedicated efforts to curb the spread of the destructive Japanese beetle in the City of Vancouver, invasive species researchers are celebrating a significant dip in the population of the ravenous plant-munching bug. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), responsible for trapping the insect, reported that no Japanese beetles were detected in Vancouver in 2024 for the first time since the pest was first spotted in British Columbia.
While this is a positive development, experts are cautioning that the battle against the Japanese beetle is far from over, as it has been detected in other areas of the province. Scott Sawa, an operations specialist with the CFIA, acknowledged the success in Vancouver but emphasized the need to remain vigilant in preventing the beetle’s spread.
The Japanese beetle, scientifically known as Popillia japonica, poses a significant threat to commercial crops and native plants as it feeds on the roots of grass and the foliage of over 300 plant species. If left unchecked, the insect could cause severe damage to parks, trees, farms, turf, golf courses, and pose a serious risk to the horticulture and agriculture industries.
Since its initial detection in B.C. in 2017 in Vancouver’s False Creek neighbourhood, efforts to control the Japanese beetle have been ongoing. The CFIA, along with multiple provincial agencies and municipal governments, have implemented various initiatives such as trapping the insects, spraying larvicide on affected plants, and enforcing rules to prevent the spread of plants and soil from infested areas.
Despite the success in Vancouver, the Japanese beetle has gained traction in other parts of the province. In 2024, over 500 Japanese beetles were detected in the City of Port Coquitlam, located about 25 kilometres east of Vancouver. Additionally, 11 beetles were found in Kamloops, marking the first instance of the insect’s presence in the Interior B.C. city.
Gail Wallin, chair of the Invasive Species Council of B.C.’s board of directors, expressed concern over the spread of the beetles to new areas and stressed the importance of understanding their potential movement throughout the region.
Looking ahead, the CFIA remains committed to monitoring the Japanese beetle and implementing measures to prevent its further spread. Surveillance efforts will continue to track the beetle’s movement and the transportation of affected plants and soils to safeguard against its proliferation.
