How can you identify a Japanese beetle?
Japanese beetles have three main identifying characteristics:

1. A metallic green thorax
2. Reddish-brown wing covers
3. Little patches of white hair under and around its wing covers

The Japanese beetle is the only beetle in this area that has all three of these characteristics. There are a few other beetles in the area, both native and non-native, that are also metallic or otherwise look similar. Check out our Japanese beetle look alike guide to see who’s who.
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Examples of common beetles and pests that ARE NOT Japanese beetle: 

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​What to do if you come across some beetles?
If you are within the treatment area and see adult Japanese beetles, then the ODA advises that you dispose of them in a container of soapy water. Using store bought insecticides will not significantly decrease Japanese beetle populations.
If beetles are observed outside the treatment area, please put the specimen in a container or bag and email or call ODA at the contact information provided below.

How long will this last?!
Japanese beetles are already an issue being addressed in Washington County, and the issue can’t be solved overnight. It may take up to 5 years to eradicate the population entirely. 
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How to help be part of the solution!
Cooperation from those in the treatment area is critical to protect Oregon’s gardens and agricultural economy!  Here’s what you can do to help:

• Report Japanese beetles, as well as beetle damage to lawns, roses, grapes, fruits, and other trees and shrubs to ODA if you live outside of the treatment area.
• Cooperate with ODA staff when they request permission to place traps on your property during the summer and consent to treatment each spring.
• Comply with quarantine regulations; read more about those regulations on our Prevention page.
• Communicate with your neighbors about the importance of this issue!

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Summary of the 2018 Treatment
The ODA continued their relationship with General Tree Service to apply the same treatment as last year, a granular pesticide called Acelepryn G® which is a targeted larvicide that kills certain pests in their larval state in the soil. The granules are broadcasted on lawns and other landscaped areas, then it breaks down into the soil when it is watered in through rain or sprinklers. This pesticide is a “reduced risk” pesticide and is not considered a health threat for humans, pets, and other insects that don’t go through a larvae stage in treatment areas. According to the label, “Acelepryn G is recommended for Integrated Pest Management programs on turf and landscape ornamentals because it does not directly impact natural arthropod predator and parasitoid populations including ladybird beetles (aka ‘ladybugs’).”  Since the treatment targets certain pest larvae in the soil, the treatment with Acelepryn G® has no adverse effects on pollinators when applied according to the label instructions. For more treatment & health information, please visit our Treatment page.

A snapshot of the treatment area in Washington County

• The area includes about 2000 acres of public and private land.
• As of June 1, 2018, approximately 5,800 residences, 5 parks, and 5 schools were treated.
  
  

While there have been some delays due to weather, treatment has been able to be completed as scheduled due in large part to the hard work by application crews. A big shout out to the crews members and crew leads who are working long days, rain or shine, to make sure treatment is done correctly and on time.

2018 Treatment Information
For Residents in the Japanese Beetle Treatment Area in Cedar Mill and nearby Neighborhoods

Treatment may take place anytime between 8am and 5pm. There is just one treatment per property or residence scheduled for 2018.  

The treatment for Japanese beetles will be done by a professional, licensed pesticide applicator under contract with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA). An observer from ODA will be also be present during treatment. Only lawns and ornamental planting beds will be treated. Vegetable gardens, berry bushes, and other edible plants will not be treated. 

This treatment consists of the application of Acelepryn G granular larvicide to lawns or ornamental planter beds. This will take approximately 15 minutes or less; most properties done in about 5 minutes or less. 

You do not need to be home or present for the application. If you will not be home, please see instructions below about how to prepare your residence for the treatment. 
The scheduled time above is weather dependent. If it is too rainy on the day of scheduled treatment, we will notify you of the rescheduled date as soon as possible. Very rainy weather or saturated soil increases the risk of the product being washed off the surface quickly and not entering the soil. Normal to light rain is OK. 
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Information from the Oregon Health Authority about Acelepryn G can be found at http://oda.direct/jbhealth

Before the treatment
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On or prior to the morning of treatment, please make sure that: 
1. Your property is accessible to the contractor’s crew. We need to treat front and backyards. All applicable outside gates and entryways should be unlocked. Animals must be kept inside for the safety of our crew. 
2. Non-stationary items that can be easily moved should be removed from lawns and grassy areas.
3. Water and food bowls for pets should be removed or covered during application.
4. Adults, children and pets of all kinds should remain inside during the application so as not to interfere with personnel conducting the treatment. The application should take 15 minutes or less to complete. 

After the treatment

To get the Acelepryn G near the grass roots to be effective against root-feeding grubs, we ask you to water your lawn for 5-10 minutes at your earliest convenience. If it has rained during or following application, it is not necessary to water it in. 

Keep children and pets off the treated area as long as granules are still visible. Inspect walkways and patios, and sweep-up or pick up stray granules (after putting on gloves). Granules are supposed to be watered in, as instructed by ODA. Keep off of the treated area until the granules are completely watered in and the lawn has dried. The area is then immediately safe to re-enter. 
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Please do not hesitate to contact ODA with any questions or concerns by phoning 1-800-525-0137 or emailing the project coordinator Chris Hedstrom at chedstrom@oda.state.or.us.