What is the plan for the areas designated as needing treatment?
In mid-to-late May all grass or turf-containing areas on residential/business properties in each treatment zone (see maps for the Warm Springs and West State Street zones) will be treated by ISDA with a granular formulation of Acelepryn to prepare the grass to kill grubs as soon as they begin feeding. In mid-July the same areas will be treated with a granular formulation of Merit (Imidacloprid) to kill feeding grubs that escape the initial treatment or later-hatching grubs. Gardens and any areas not containing grass will not receive these treatments. This will be the bulk of treatment needed. If, during inspections, adult beetles feeding on foliage or clear signs of adult beetle feeding are observed those properties will receive a foliar spray of Tempo (beta-cyfluthrin) (if only ornamental or shade plants are present) or Carbaryl (if edible plants are on the property).
Though not new to the United States, the Japanese Beetle has never been found in Boise…until 2012. This highly destructive plant pest that can be very difficult and expensive to control. Feeding on grass roots, Japanese beetle grubs damage lawns, golf courses, and parks. Japanese beetle adults attack the foliage, flowers, or fruits of more than 300 different ornamental and agricultural plants. It is not a native insect to the USA, but was introduced to the eastern US many years ago, probably in a shipment of bulbs from Japan. Unfortunately, it has now made it's way into Boise, via some nursery stock from back east. Boise Parks & Recreation is assisting the Idaho State Department of Agriculture in an effort to eradicate the insect from Idaho. Eradication means eliminating it altogether, which can be time consuming.
Boise Parks & Recreation is working with Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) in efforts to eradicate Japanese Beetles from parks where adults have been captured. A second season of intensive treatment will begin in May. You can read more about affected areas of Boise and the eradication efforts at the ISDA website. A series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available on that website and in the link below. Currently, the insect is present in parts of east Boise, a smaller area off State Street, and in areas of Boise State University campus.
The eradication effort is not over. It may take several years to completely eliminate the pest. Allowing it to gain a permanent foothold could mean millions or billions in damages to landscape plants and the nursery industry and increased use of pesticides. Please continue to visit this web page for updated information and maps.
2014 Beetle Trap Locations and Captures (as of July 25th)
ISDA Website about Japanese Beetle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Identify a Japanese Beetle
Japanese Beetle Found in Boise, ISDA Press Release – August 2012
via Japanese Beetle Information – City of Boise.
