The Beetles are Coming

In early summer when the longer days warm up the soil, Japanese beetles start emerging from the ground. If you live in a place like Washington County where beetles have been found, you could see one beetle, two beetles, or thousands in your neighborhood! Have you seen any yet this season? Right now the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), along with many other partners, is deep into an eradication project to stop this destructive garden and agricultural pest from establishing a permanent population in Oregon. And the ODA needs your help!

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.
​
Examples of common beetles and pests that ARE NOT Japanese beetle: 

​
​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.

A Japanese beetle trap. If you live in the quarantine area, you can help the project by giving permission to ODA to put one in your yard!

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. 
​
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!

​