This time of year, people are finding thousands of boxelder bug nymphs on their properties. The Western boxelder bug adults (Boisea rubrolineata) are about 0.5 in. long, and brownish/ black with red-markings on the sides of their wings, and their nymphs (immature stage) are smaller and bright red in color. The quantity that you may find in your yard can be alarming. Luckily, though boxelder bugs feed on leaves, they are unlikely to cause any damage. Boxelder bugs main hosts are female boxelder trees, but they can also be found on male boxelder trees, ash, and other maples. 

The adults can become a nuisance in the fall when they head for peoples homes to escape colder temperatures and overwinter. Though they do not bite humans or pets, and will not get into your food, they can aggregate in large numbers. Ways to reduce an infestation in your home include caulking openings and cracks around doors and windows in your home, removing debris and leaf-litter away from the foundation of your home, and vacuuming up any that find their way inside (squishing the bugs are not recommended as they can leave stains). 

Boxelder bug adult (Boisea rubrolineata)           Japanese beetle adult (Popillia japonica)

For more information about Boxelder bugs, click here. 

And please do not hesitate to reach out or ask any questions you may have by calling 1-800-525-0137 or emailing us at japanesebeetle@oda.state.or.us

To all first-time site visitors: welcome! And thank you for reading more about this important project to protect Oregon’s agricultural economy and natural resources.


Here is a quick update on decisions made in the last few months

In the summer of 2018, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA)’s traps caught over 17,000 Japanese beetles. Treatments in 2017 reduced the 2018 Japanese beetle populations by approximately 34%. In response, this past winter the Japanese beetle project team has been busy analyzing the detections and meeting with partners to create a strategy for 2019. The beetle battle is in high gear! Based on the information collected, the project is moving in the right direction with a lot of work ahead. A third year of treatment is proposed for 2019 with an expanded boundary to treat new areas where beetles have been found. The treatment will happen in March, April, and May using the same larvicide, Acelepryn G. Acelepryn G will be broadcast in the form of small granules over irrigated turf grass and ornamental beds of all properties in the designated treatment area in Washington County. In areas where the largest concentration of beetles were found last year, ODA may need to do a smaller targeted application of Acelepryn later in the summer to increase effectiveness of the treatment. Note: if you are in the area identified as needing an additional treatment, you will receive official notice by mail.



How to help

This is the state’s largest Japanese beetle eradication effort. There are multiple ways that you can help. 

Required

• Turn in your consent form online or by mail ASAP.
  • If you live in the treatment area you can expect to receive a notice in your mail with the consent form in late January.
  • A response from every resident in the treatment area is required.
• Follow all treatment instructions from mailers and treatment crew members.

Optional

• Attend events in your area to ask questions and learn more. Check out our Updates page for upcoming online and in-person events on February 15 & 19, 2019. 
• Improve your Japanese beetle identification. Know their physical traits and destructive habits. Visit our look-alike guide. 
• Spread the word to your neighbors and encourage them to return their consent forms and stay up-to-date on the project.
• Communicate with the ODA team with questions, concerns, and/or kudos. Members of the ODA team review emails, voicemails, and webform comments daily. Your communication is vital. Please get in touch if you have questions!
• Stay tuned and spread the word to your neighbors! To have a chance at eradicating the beetle–and stop if from ultimately spreading throughout Oregon and the western United States–ODA needs your support.

If you have questions or concerns, please look over our extensive Frequently Asked Questions about the project. Still have questions? Contact the ODA team. 

[Category tags: Consent, Community Engagement, Larvicide - Acelepryn, Residents, Updates, Treatment, Washington County]

Community Open House
A drop-in style, open house was held at Sunset High School on Tuesday, February 19th. Attendees who came were able to ask questions of the expert team leading and supporting the project. ​

Info Session: Japanese beetle in Washington County
​An online information session was held on Wednesday, February 13th.