BOISE, Idaho - A new invasive
insect, the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), recently was detected in
Idaho in both Ada and Kootenai counties. The Japanese beetle was first
introduced to the United States in 1916 in plants imported from Japan. The
insect is approximately ½-inch long, a shiny metallic green with copper-brown
wing covers.
Adult Japanese beetles feed on
trees, rose bushes, stonefruits and many garden and field crops leaving holes
and skeltonized leaves. The larvae, or grubs, live under the soil surface and
destroy patches of turf by feeding on roots of grass.
The Idaho State Department of
Agriculture (ISDA) is identifying suspect areas with intensive trapping. The
public may notice an increased number of green and yellow traps placed in Boise
around the Boise State University and Warm Springs area, along State Street near
Pierce Park and at various public parks. Increased trapping will also be
implemented in other parts of the state. The traps are
non-toxic.
If you live in
Idaho and
suspect you have found a Japanese beetle seal a dead specimen or
two in a sandwich bag and mail in a regular envelope to: Idaho State Department
of Agriculture, Plant Industries Division, P.O. Box 790 Boise, ID 83701 and please include your name,
address and phone number or you may call (208) 332-8620 to report the possible
find.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KHQ. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
