Red alert: Japanese beetle is spreading in the Lörrach district!

Red alert: Japanese beetle is spreading in the Lörrach district!

The Japanese beetle, an invasive species, is currently causing a stir in the border region between Switzerland and Germany. This was triggered by the recent discoveries in Riehen, which led to the expansion of the buffer zone on the German side. The new zone now extends from the Binzen temporary exit along the A98 to the Wiesental Bridge and also includes Weil-Ötlingen, Lörrach and Grenzach-Wyhlen. Almost two thirds of this expanded buffer zone run through forests and agricultural areas, which particularly affects the plant health of the region, as Gabot.de reports.

In order to control the spread of the endangered pest, control measures may apply at least three years after the last detection of the beetle. The responsible environmental authorities have already set up pheromone traps to detect the Japanese beetle, although no evidence has yet been recorded in the Lörrach district. The public was also asked to catch, photograph and freeze suspected beetles to make identification easier.

That's what it's about: The Japanese beetle in detail

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is about 1 centimeter in size, has a metallic green color and is easily recognized by its five white tufts of hair on the sides and two on the abdomen. When standing still on plants, it is primarily a threat to more than 300 plant species, including berries, fruit trees, grape vines and many others, which are widespread in German regions. Larvae damage meadows and lawns by eating roots, while the adult beetles target the leaves. This represents a serious risk for agricultural crops and gardens, as Agroscope notes.

Since its introduction to the United States in the early 20th century, the Japanese beetle has caused significant damage. In Europe it first appeared in the Azores in the 1970s before settling in northern Italy in 2014. The first discoveries in Switzerland were made in 2017, and there are now initial reports in Baden-Württemberg, which increases the risk of the beetle establishing itself in southern Germany. Experts from the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) are therefore warning of a possible invasion and consider the situation in the southern federal states to be critical. This was reported by MDR.

Proactive control measures

In order to contain the Japanese beetle, various vigilant and preventive monitoring measures are necessary in Switzerland and the neighboring German areas. In Switzerland, 280 attractant traps have already been placed in 2024, not only in the affected cantons but also beyond. However, isolated populations were also found, which shows that monitoring must definitely be intensified in the next few years.

In summary, the neighboring countries are facing a serious challenge that not only threatens the native flora and fauna of more than 300 plant varieties, but could also have a significant impact on food production and local landscapes. Fast action is essential to get the pest problem under control in a timely manner. It is therefore important that the population actively participates in the measures and takes the warnings from the authorities seriously.