The European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis) is an introduced insect to British Columbia that has become a serious lawn pest in the Lower Mainland. Since it was first discovered in New Westminster in late 2001, its geographic range has spread considerably throughout several Lower Mainland communities, including within the borders of Port Moody. 

The European chafer beetle is most damaging during its grub or larval stage. Grubs feed on roots of many different plants, but prefer the fibrous roots of turf grasses. Damage can be masked by abundant moisture in spring and fall, but drier weather reveals an emergence of brown patches. Major damage to lawns occurs when, birds, skunks and other predators turn over the lawn in search of these large white grubs in early fall and spring. The adult beetles seldom cause any significant damage. They are short-lived and do not bite or sting.