49 Mile Quarantine Ordered Around Grandview For Beetle Infection
Washington State Department of Agriculture just ordered a 49 mile square quarantine over the area of Grandview because of the spreading Japanese Beetle problem. The order goes into effect on September 15th, just over a half a month away. There are specific rules announced for the areas in that quarantine area including cities where the beetles have been spotted.
The quarantine area spreads from about Toppenish to Richland and covers cities where the beetles have been seen before: Wapato, Richland, Mabton, Sunnyside, and Outlook. The WSDA website has these instructions for people in that zone area.
"The rule restricts movement of several items including:
- Topsoil containing vegetative material
- Noncommercial humus and compost
- Noncommercial growing media
- Yard debris including grass clippings, leaves, branches, brush, weeds, flowers, roots, windfall fruit, and vegetable garden debris
- Potted plants, and plants used for planting or propagation unless free from growing media
- Sod
- Hop bines and unshucked corn ears harvested during the Japanese beetle adult flight season (May 15th through October 15th)
- Cut flowers for decorative purposes
- Any other plant, plant part, or article that presents a hazard of spreading Japanese beetle due to either infestation or exposure to infestation."
The WSDA is also asking for the help of local citizens in the fight to identify how far the beetles have spread. "“More than ever, public participation is key in fighting invasive species,” WSDA Japanese Beetle Eradication Coordinator Camilo Acosta said. "With these new detections spread along I-82, WSDA is asking residents – especially in Yakima, Benton, and Franklin counties – to look for and report Japanese beetles on their property."
If you have seen these beetles on your property, use this form to help identify and then send the correct information to the WSDA. It has lots of pictures and information to help identify the beetle and and also includes a form to fill out information to send back to help them track and eradicate these beetles.