What is the Japanese Beetle?

The beetle species Popillia japonica is commonly known as the Japanese beetle. It is about 15 millimetres (0.6 in) long and 10 millimetres (0.4 in) wide, with iridescent copper-colored elytra and green thorax and head. It is not very destructive in Japan, where it is controlled by natural predators, but in America it is a serious pest of about 200 species of plants, including rose bushes, grapes, hops, canna, crape myrtles, and others.

Japanese Beetle Update: It could impact your business!

Has Japanese beetle been detected in Texas?

 Yes. During 1997-2008 Japanese beetle (JB) was detected at some sites during statewide surveys.

Will any counties be quarantined for JB?

 No. Instead, the U.S. Domestic Japanese Beetle Harmonization Plan (DJBHP) that was developed by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture and 50 State Departments of Agriculture will facilitate the movement of nursery plants among states.  Adherence to this plan, adopted by the states, will significantly reduce the risk of Japanese beetle (JB) introduction via nursery plants. The JBHP is available at https://nationalplantboard.org/wp-content/uploads/docs/jbhp_2017_update.pdf      

Can JB impact my business?

 Yes, if you ship plants to other states and JB-free areas of Texas.

What's the single most important thing I can do to alleviate a JB problem?

If you import out-of-state plants, demand that a state phytosanitary certificate or a certificate of inspection for quarantine compliance issued by the relevant state declares that the plants are certified JB-free according to the DJBHP. Of course, such a certificate must accompany the shipment.

 

 Where do I call for additional information?

You can call TDA's regional office nearest to you:
Lubbock at (806) 799-8555
Dallas at (214) 631-0265
Houston at (713) 921-8200
San Antonio at (210) 820-0288
San Juan office at (956) 787-8866