Gem State Wire

The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is seeking consent from property owners in certain neighborhoods of Caldwell and Pocatello for a program to eradicate the invasive Japanese beetle. This initiative involves free treatments targeting these pests, which threaten over 300 plant species, including key agricultural commodities in Idaho.

The ISDA's plan requires property owner approval to apply specific treatments to lawns and turf within affected areas. Letters with program details and consent forms have been sent to those residing in designated treatment zones. Only properties with signed consent will undergo treatment.

Japanese beetles were initially discovered in Canyon County in 2021, prompting ongoing eradication efforts in Caldwell for three years. The current treatment zones are based on ISDA's trap findings from 2024 in both Caldwell and Pocatello.

For more information or to check if your property falls within the treatment zone, visit agri.idaho.gov/jb.