The Sacramento County
Agricultural Commissioner, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is beginning the second year of an eradication treatment program in response to detections of Japanese Beetles (JB) in the Arden-Arcade area, and within the city limits of Rancho Cordova. Affected property owners will be contacted prior to treatment.
The detections were made as part of our coordinated pest prevention system that protects our agriculture and natural resources from non-native invasive species with early detection playing a key role in successfully eradicating an infestation before it can become established.
The JB is of concern due to the ability of both the adults and grubs (the larval stage) to destroy plants here in California. The JB is an invasive species in California and is native to Japan, where it is controlled by natural predators and a cooler climate. Adults feed on the foliage and fruits of several hundred species of fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops. Among the plants most commonly damaged are apples, pears, cherries, corn, grapes, roses and turf grass. Adults leave behind skeletonized leaves and large, irregular holes. The grubs develop in soil, feeding on the roots of various plants and grasses and often destroying turf in lawns, parks, golf courses and pastures.
Federal, state and county agricultural officials work year-round, 365 days a year, to prevent, deter, detect and eliminate the threat of invasive species and diseases that can damage or destroy our agricultural products and natural environment. The efforts are aimed at keeping California’s natural environment and food supply plentiful, safe and pest-free.
Residents with questions about the project may call the Sacramento County Agricultural Commissioner’s office at (916) 875-6603 or CDFA’s Pest Hotline at (800) 491-1899. Additional information can be found on the CDFA website. 