Invasive Species: NL Japanese Beetle Proposed Control Plan – Treatment
The Japanese Beetle is an invasive species in Canada, which is regulated and included under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Pest Surveillance Program.
CFIA has detected isolated and sporadic occurrences of the Japanese beetle since 2014 in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, 14 beetles were trapped in St. John’s (thirteen beetles at seven sites) and Bay Bulls (one beetle at one site). This information is publicly available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency pest surveillance website available at: Plant health survey report for 2024-2025 – inspection.canada.ca. The increase of detections in 2024 indicates potential overwintering and potential for significant spread if not controlled.
As this pest is known to feed on over 300 plant species, it is a significant threat to the agriculture industry and forest resources as well as many other sectors vital to the economy of NL. At this time, an eradication program is being considered which will include the use of a larvicide treatment in areas where the Japanese beetle is known to be present. Acelepryn® was selected at the treatment as it is very effective against Japanese beetle larvae and present no impact to mammals, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
What is Acelepryn?
Acelepryn® is a systemic larvicide that controls a wide range pests on turf and on greenhouse and outdoor ornamentals. This includes control of the invasive species the Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica. This larvicide is registered for use by Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency. Chlorantraniliprole, the active ingredient in Acelepryn®, is also registered for use on many food crops for insect control under other trade names including Altacor and Coragen. The larvicide targets root eating grubs primarily and will not impact people, pets, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
How will Acelepryn® be used for Japanese Beetle?
Acelepryn® will be applied by a landscape company or individual who holds a valid Pesticide Applicator License (Issued by the Department of Environment and Climate Change). The liquid larvicide will be applied directly to turfgrass in affected areas to control the larval stage (grubs). This will be used in high water volumes, or will be followed by irrigation to water the treatment into the soil to a depth of 2-5 cm. It will be applied one time during the growing season.
Government of NL is working closely with CFIA to determine quarantine and treatment areas.
How do I know Acelepryn® is safe?
All pesticides registered in Canada are evaluated and registered by Health Canada before they can be used. Acelepryn® is considered a reduced risk pesticide by Health Canada and also the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Health Canada takes into consideration the risk to applicators, bystanders, and people accessing treated turf, and the risk is negligible. Acelepryn® was selected as it has a favourable health and environmental profile and is very effective against Japanese beetle larvae. There will be no impact to mammals, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
When is it safe to enter treated areas?
All pesticide labels contain a re-entry period which indicates how long to wait before entering treated areas. The Acelepryn® label indicates that treated recreational turf can be accessed and used after sprays have dried. If there is rain after application, the plant foliage may remain damp for an extended period, so the re-entry time for the site of application may be extended based on climatic conditions. Some public areas may be fenced off to reduce access to the public during these treatments, and all will have signage placed to indicate the re-entry period.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Position on the Use of Acelepryn
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of controlling pests in agriculture and forests in NL. Acelepryn® is approved for use in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Environment Protection Act to control pests according to the pesticide label. Accordingly, government supports responsible and safe efforts that protect our environment, forests, agriculture sectors, and other sectors that rely on healthy plants and turf for business, recreation and sports.
The decision to use Acelepryn® to control the invasive species, Japanese beetle was made after review of the potential environmental and economic impacts of establishment and spread of this pest. Acelepryn® controls root-eating grubs and will not harm people, pets, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies, or other plants and animals, including any animals that eat the treated grubs.
Government participates in programs to reduce insect populations, minimize defoliation and keep trees alive long enough for natural factors (parasites, viruses, fungal diseases and other predators) to eliminate pest outbreaks. Considering the health and safety record associated with over 25 years of worldwide Btk use, the provincial government supports the continued use to protect our valuable forests from Eastern Hemlock looper and Eastern Spruce Budworm.
References
Chlorantraniliprole Registration Decision rd2014-26-eng.pdf
CFIA Japanese Beetle Information Plant health survey report for 2024-2025 – inspection.canada.ca.