Japanese Beetle Warning Issued in Groß-Gerau District

In the picturesque district of Groß-Gerau, a new threat has emerged—the Japanese beetle. This invasive pest, closely related to Japanese cockroaches, has been spotted in the municipality of Trebur, causing concern among local authorities and agricultural experts.

The infestation zone, approximately one kilometer in radius, has prompted the development of an action plan by the government district of Gießen. The plan includes the establishment of not only an infestation zone but also a buffer zone, extending up to six kilometers and encompassing Trebur, Rüsselsheim, Nauheim, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Nackenheim, and western parts of Groß-Gerau.

Christian Hillnhütter, the head of the Plant Protection Service in Groß-Gerau's Plant Protection Office, is leading the charge against this unwelcome intruder. To locate the Japanese beetles, specialists are using pheromone traps, which attract the insects and prevent them from escaping.

The Japanese beetle, slightly smaller than a one-cent coin, poses a significant threat to agriculture. Particularly affected are grapevines, corn plants, and fruit trees. To prevent further damage, a watering ban has been implemented in the infestation zone, prohibiting irrigation of lawns and green areas from June to the end of September. This measure aims to prevent Japanese beetles from laying eggs.

Businesses within the control zones are required to regularly inspect their surroundings and immediately report any found Japanese beetles to the Plant Protection Service. Vehicles and agricultural equipment must also be regularly cleaned to prevent the spread of the pests.

Crops must be checked for potential infestation before transport. Plants may only leave the affected area if they are officially guaranteed to be free of Japanese beetles. The purpose of these measures is to contain the infestation and protect the local agriculture.

The action plan, while revealing the establishment of control zones and the use of pheromone traps, does not provide specific details about the actions to be taken. However, it is clear that the measures are similar to those used for the African Swine Fever that has been spreading in southern Hesse since 2024.

As the situation continues to develop, the people of Groß-Gerau and the surrounding areas remain vigilant, working together to protect their land and crops from the Japanese beetle invasion.