Japanese Beetles Spread in Pasco, WSDA Asks Help

The Washington State Department of Agriculture is asking Tri-Cities residents to report sightings as it continues its annual eradication effort.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Agriculture

Bold vector editorial illustration of a hanging funnel beetle trap on a crop-row stake, with irrigated vine rows stretching into open farmland under flat daylight. — The Washington State Department of Agriculture caught 38 Japanese beetles this summer and is asking Pasco and Tri-Cities residents to report sightings as eradication continues. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Washington State Department of Agriculture caught 38 Japanese beetles this summer during its annual eradication effort, and the insects are being found throughout Pasco. WSDA is asking residents to report sightings by submitting a photograph and location.

Why it matters

Japanese beetles damage roses, grapes, hops, sweet corn, raspberries, and about 300 other plants, and their larvae can kill lawns. Infestations can also lead to costly quarantines and higher management costs for farmers.

WSDA set hundreds of traps throughout the Tri-Cities and caught 38 Japanese beetles this summer as part of its annual eradication effort. The source does not indicate how the catch compares with previous years or how many beetles remain in the area.

The players

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)

The state agency responsible for agricultural regulation, pest monitoring, and food system programs in Washington, which runs the Japanese beetle eradication effort.

The details

WSDA trappers have set hundreds of traps across the Tri-Cities to monitor the spread of Japanese beetles. Residents can collect beetles from garden plants and place them in soapy water to kill them, or report sightings online at agr.wa.gov/beetles.

This summer: WSDA caught 38 Japanese beetles in its eradication effort.
Through September: Adult beetle flight season continues, and trap monitoring continues.

Industry Context

WSDA's annual Japanese beetle eradication effort is a recurring state program that monitors trap catches each season. This year's 38 beetles fit within that ongoing monitoring cycle, though the source does not provide prior-year catch totals for direct comparison.

Residents who find Japanese beetles can photograph them and submit the photo and location at agr.wa.gov/beetles or by email. Beetles collected from garden plants can be placed in soapy water to kill them.

The takeaway

Reporting sightings early helps WSDA track where Japanese beetles are spreading. Residents who grow roses, grapes, or lawns in the Tri-Cities should watch for adult beetles through September.