Mesa County continues its efforts to beat the beetle
In an ongoing effort to curb the spread of the invasive Japanese Beetle, Mesa County has approved a contract to continue fighting this pest to safeguard local ecosystems and the agricultural economy.
On April 2, the County approved a $200,000 contract with WD Yards, a local landscaping and pest control firm dedicated to eradicating the Japanese Beetle, for 2024. This financial commitment underlines the County's determination to continue efforts to combat it.
The Japanese Beetle, known for its destructive feeding habits, poses a significant threat to over 300 types of plants, impacting gardens, orchards, vineyards, and the natural landscape. These beetles emerge in the warm summer months, from the end of June through early September, with females laying eggs in moist turf grass by late August. The resulting larvae then damage turfgrass ecosystems, making early and effective intervention crucial.
The plan includes the application of Acelepryn, a safe pesticide proven effective against the Beetle, to all consenting addresses within the designated area. This initiative's targeted hot zone borders 24 Road and Horizon Drive, between G Road and H Road, covering up to 260 acres.
Efforts to control the beetle population require widespread community participation, as the pests can spread one to five miles per year. This mobility puts local crops, orchards, and vineyards at heightened risk, necessitating a collective approach to pest management.
Please visit the Japanese Beetle Eradication webpage for more detailed information on Mesa County's eradication plan and how to participate or assist in these efforts.
