PASCO, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has started its first round of Japanese beetle treatments in Pasco, aiming to tackle the pest problem with the help of local residents.
Mark Dade, a local homeowner, discovered Japanese beetles in his backyard last year. He says at first, he thought the beetles were pretty, until the next season when he discovered the damage they had done.
“All of a sudden a lot of our lawns are dying off and the lawn clippings literally just fell over. The roots were gone, and we knew what it was… It was the larvae eating it,” he said.
This summer, he signed up with the WSDA to have his property treated and allowed them permission to give a demonstration of the pre-treatment and treatment process.
The day began with Dade clearing his lawn of everything, like hoses, toys and more. He also opened gates to allow for WSDA employees to easily access both front and back yard when spraying. He also took his two dogs inside, where he says he’ll keep them until the treatment is fully dried.
Camilo Acosta, the Japanese Beetle Eradication Coordinator with the WSDA, says the spray that’s used poses no significant harm to property owners.
“This product that we use, Acelepryn, is not toxic to us. It’s not toxic to pets or birds,” says Acosta. “We all want to eradicate Japanese beetle. We don’t want it in Washington.”
According to Acosta, residents in Pasco should expect to see WSDA workers walking around neighborhoods. They’re easily spotted with high-vis vests and will be working towards educating the public about treatments.
Mark Dade hopes that other residents will too seek treatment for the invasive bug.
“Everybody ought to get on board and take care of this problem, said Dade. “Hopefully one neighbor will tell another neighbor (and) tell another neighbor.”
To learn more about Japanese Beetles in Eastern Washington, click here.
