Questions and Answers
Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)

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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented regulated areas for Japanese beetle in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

The materials that are regulated for the Japanese beetle are the same for all regulated areas. There are no human health risks associated with this pest.

Q1 What is Japanese Beetle (JB)?

Japanese beetle is a plant pest native to Japan that attacks roots, foliage and fruit of a variety of host plants, including elm, maple, rose, zinnia, corn, asparagus, grape, apple, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. The Japanese beetle larvae favour turf grass as their host material, while adults feed on the leaves and fruit of a wide variety of host plants.

Q2 Where does JB come from and when was it confirmed in North America?

The beetle is native to the main islands of Japan. It was first discovered in North America in New Jersey in 1916 and first recorded in Canada in Yarmouth, NS, in 1939.

Q3 Where in Canada are the regulated areas for JB established?

The provinces of Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have been declared regulated areas for JB under the Plant Protection Act. Except for those locations, the rest of Canada is free of Japanese beetle. JB is also found in over 30 states in the US.

Q4 Why are regulated areas established?

Regulated areas are established as a measure to restrict the spread of unwanted pests outside of those areas. This is achieved by maintaining and enforcing restrictions on the movement of potentially infested materials out of areas where a quarantine pest has been found. In the case of JB, the regulated articles include all plants and/or soil. Regulated materials can be freely moved within a regulated area, but cannot be moved outside of a regulated area without prior written permission from the CFIA. Any person who violates these prohibitions or restrictions of movement may be subject to a fine and/or liable to prosecution.

Q5 What will the CFIA do to prevent the spread of JB in Canada?

The CFIA continues to cooperate and consult with its partners at all levels, stakeholders and industry to implement strategies to control JB and slow its spread. The CFIA also educates the public and members of the landscaping and gardening industry on the restrictions and options for movement of regulated commodities where regulated areas are established.

Q6 How does JB spread?

As a beetle, JB is capable of movement on its own (local spread). Long distance spread occurs primarily through human activities like the movement of infested plants and/or soil from one area to another.

Q7 Will there be compensation for losses associated with the destruction of any plants infested or destroyed by JB?

There is no compensation available for actions related to Japanese Beetle control.

Q8 What are the potential economic consequences of JB?

The Japanese beetle could impact negatively on trade, particularly the export of nursery stock. There would also be significant costs associated with damage to grass, flowers and trees in parks and private properties.

CFIA's Control Measures for JB

Q1 How is the spread of JB being controlled?

The spread of the Japanese beetle is controlled by the restriction of movement of identified high risk materials outside of the regulated areas established by the CFIA.

Q2 How is the public being informed?

Information is posted on the CFIA website. In addition, the CFIA is in contact with its partners and stakeholders, including nurseries and garden centres.

Q3 What can I do to help?

The CFIA is asking everybody's assistance by avoiding the movement of regulated materials out of the regulated areas without prior written permission from the CFIA. For more information, please call a CFIA office near your area. You can also assist the CFIA by reporting all illegal movement of regulated materials.