Invasive Bug Threatens Roses, Grapes, and Hops in Washington

I noticed that the gardening section of the home improvement store has been hopping with activity--and we're barely in the first week of the new year. People living in Eastern Washington especially are already thinking about which crops and flowers they want to grow this year, including many unsuspecting homeowners.

I say they are "unsuspecting", because they are about to get a notice from the Washington’s Department of Agriculture to help them kill off an invasive bug that could cause devastating damage!

Oh, you haven't heard about this yet? Shout out to the Washington Standard for this scoop I gleaned (that was an agriculture pun for those of you in the back not paying attention).

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Who is this mysterious bug, and what does it want with our crops anyway?

MEET THE JAPANESE BEETLE

Hide your roses, hide your hops, hide your grapes, because the Japanese Beetle is coming for all of them. It's not their fault they love the taste of those leaves, but if they aren't killed off with a government-approved pesticide, they will not only nosh on your grass roots and destroy your lawn, but they will also eat their way through the specific plants mentioned above.

Find out if Acelepryn is right for you...

If you own a home in Benton, Franklin, or Yakima County**, you are eligible for a free lawn treatment with the Acelepryn pesticide that aims to destroy the Japanese Beetle population in our state.

The active ingredient in the pesticide is Chlorantraniliprole. Side effects to bugs include paralysis and death. There are no side effects to humans, however. There are cautions about the use of this pesticide near certain bodies of water. For more info, visit the DOH.WA website.

"EPA concluded that Acelepryn G and Acelepryn are not dangerous to domestic animals, including dogs." - WA Dept. of Health

**Acelepryn is not intended for your home vegetable gardens or home orchards.