PASCO, Wash. – Efforts to combat the Japanese beetle infestation in Franklin County have intensified, according to Camilo Acosta, the Japanese beetle eradication coordinator with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Acasta reported to Franklin County Commission on July 6 that since the initial detection of 10 beetles in 2023, the population has grown significantly, with 2,000 beetles trapped this year compared to just over 400 last year.
This surge has prompted increased efforts to eradicate the pest, including the expansion of treatment areas across eight square miles in Pasco, Acosta said.
“We were able to complete 2,254 turf treatments between April and June,” Acosta said, emphasizing the community’s awareness and support.
The treatments target both the beetle larvae in the soil and, for the first time this year, the adult beetles through foliar treatments.
Looking ahead, Acosta mentioned the possibility of introducing an internal quarantine to prevent the spread of beetles through human activities.
“Certain regulated articles would not be permitted from leaving the quarantine area,” she explained, highlighting the importance of controlling the movement of green waste and yard debris.
The presentation concluded with a discussion on the potential for composting as a solution, although Acosta cautioned that improper composting could inadvertently create breeding grounds for the beetles.
