Mesa County, Colorado, is taking significant steps to eradicate the invasive Japanese beetle, a pest that poses a severe threat to local agriculture and horticulture. The county has implemented a comprehensive plan involving strategic pesticide treatments, community involvement, and collaboration with various agencies to combat this infestation. The goal is to eliminate the beetle population within a few years, ensuring the protection of the region’s environment and economy.
Comprehensive Eradication Plan
Mesa County has launched an extensive eradication plan to tackle the Japanese beetle problem. The plan includes treating over 1,200 properties with Acelepryn, a safe and effective pesticide. This effort spans an area equivalent to 209 football fields. The county’s Noxious Weed and Pest Management division is working closely with nurseries, agricultural experts, and government bodies to ensure the success of this initiative. The eradication efforts are expected to reduce the beetle population by 25 to 30% annually, aiming for total eradication within three to five years.
In addition to pesticide treatments, the county has deployed 552 traps through the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the CSU Extension Citizen Science Program. These traps have successfully captured over 5,400 beetles, providing valuable data to guide ongoing efforts. Homeowners in the affected areas are encouraged to participate by applying grub control treatments to their lawns, further aiding in the eradication process.
Community Involvement and Support
Community involvement is a crucial component of Mesa County’s eradication strategy. Property owners in the infestation zone are being contacted to give their consent for free grub control treatments on their lawns. The county has approved funding to cover the cost of these treatments, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder participation. Public parks and other communal areas are also receiving grub treatments to prevent the spread of the beetles.
Educational support is being provided by Colorado State University Extension Services, offering resources and guidance to property owners on how to manage and prevent beetle infestations. The county is also encouraging residents outside the hot zone to take preventive measures by applying grub control treatments to their lawns and treating new sod to hinder the spread of the beetles.
Progress and Future Steps
The eradication efforts in Mesa County have already shown promising results. The completion of spraying operations in the designated hot zone marks a significant milestone in the battle against the Japanese beetle. The county remains dedicated to collaborating with property owners, farmers, CSU Extension, the Colorado Agriculture Department, and local governments to manage this invasive species effectively.
Looking ahead, Mesa County plans to continue its annual strategic treatments and community engagement efforts. Follow-up grub treatments may occur in August and September to ensure the effectiveness of the initial applications. The county is committed to monitoring the situation closely and adapting its strategies as needed to achieve the ultimate goal of eradicating the Japanese beetle from the region.
