Not on west coast yet but Japanese beetle detected in St.John's

    Monday, 9 June 2025 06:00

    By Tonya Organ

    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has 80 traps set up throughout the province

    The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is looking into an increased detection of Japanese Beetle in St. John’s. However, officials don't believe this can impact the west coast.  Sabrina Ellsworth is the department’s Director of Agriculture Research and Production. She says they are working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to identify areas where Japanese beetles have been detected in order to develop a treatment and eradication plan. 

    Ellsworth says this species is a severe threat to agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and forestry industries as it is known to feed on more than 300 plant species and has no natural predators. The CFIA has 80 traps set up throughout the province and Ellsworth says for now, the west coast is safe. Ellsworth this invasive species may become a bigger problem here as the climate changes. 

     

    To report an error, submit a news tip, or provide feedback, please e-mail news@bayfm.ca or call (709) 637-0183.

    More from Local News

     

     

     

    BayFM recognizes support from the following agencies:

                        

    Today's Weather

    • Corner Brook

      Light rain

      High: 5°C | Low: 0°C

    • Deer Lake

      Heavy Rain

      High: 6°C | Low: -1°C

    • Stephenville

      Heavy Rain

      High: 4°C | Low: 1°C

    Recently Played

    Podcasts

    • The Plain Truth

      The Plain Truth, Wednesday November 13, 2025

      Host Paula Sheppard's guest this week is Peter Parsons, Inter-Agency Coordinator with the Community Mental Health Initiative

    • BayFM On-Demand

      Trash Talk Thursday , November 13, 2025

      Lots of uptick on the new app

    • Sunday Night Geek

      Sunday Night Geek, November 9, 2025

      Sunday Night Geek, November 9, 2025