European Chafer Beetle – An Invasive Species
The European chafer beetle is an invasive species first identified in the Lower Mainland region in New Westminster in 2001. The chafer beetle’s local range has expanded in the years since and can now be found in the Township of Langley. It is most noticeable in areas where lawns have been torn up by urban wildlife in search of the insect.
Lawns may become damaged as the chafer beetle lays its eggs in lawns early in the summer, hatching between June and August. Hatched larvae then feed on the roots of grasses over the next 10-11 months, making lawns more susceptible to damage by birds, raccoons and other wildlife in search of a meal. Adult beetles eventually emerge the following June and lay their own eggs, restarting the cycle.
Treatment
| Btg |
| Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae (Btg) is a microbial product approved in 2019 for the treatment of chafer beetle in Canada. Btg is applied to affected areas and watered to release it into the soil, killing chafer beetles as they ingest it. As Btg products do not require a consistently damp environment and can be applied during a property’s permitted watering hours, they do not qualify for a Water Exemption Permit. Btg products are available at local home and garden supply stores. |
| Nematodes |
|
Nematodes are small worms that act as a form of biological control when applied to chafer beetle infestations. Nematodes are best applied in late July after larvae have hatched and require a damp environment. As nematode application is best done when water restrictions are in effect, properties may obtain a Water Exemption Permit for the purpose of nematode application which allows watering on additional mornings for a period of three weeks. Water Exemption Permits do not have an associated fee, however, proof of nematode purchase or hiring of professional application is required. Water Exemption Permits can be applied for online. |
Prevention
Healthy lawncare practices
There is more to maintaining a healthy lawn than watering it in the summer; it’s a year-round practice. Keeping your lawn healthy by aerating it and applying fertilizer at appropriate times, and watering it less often but more thoroughly to encourage root growth can help prevent infestations and subsequent damage. See tips to maintain a healthy lawn.
Physical/barrier control
Chafer beetles prefer to lay their eggs in short turf grass. Adjusting your mower height to 6 to 9 cm can help prevent them from choosing your lawn. In addition, longer blades of grass help retain water and encourages root growth.
Lawn alternatives
A grass lawn may be normal for landscaping in our region, however, lawn alternatives are becoming more common. Alternative groundcovers such as clover or moss require little maintenance once established, are more resilient than turf and they are more heat tolerant, staying green into the summer. Transitioning to trees, shrubs, or flowers is another landscaping alternative. Learn more about lawn alternatives and growing an environmentally friendly garden through our Garden Smart program.