Japanese beetle outbreak in Portland concerns officials

PORTLAND – Agriculture officials are concerned about a Japanese beetle outbreak in northwest Portland.

Capital Press reported officials were working to determine the size of the infestation.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture said 265 beetles were caught in traps this summer near Northwest Saltzman and Northwest Thompson roads. Others were found feeding on homeowners’ roses.

Officials believe a localized breeding population has established itself in the area. They’ve probably been present for a year.

Japanese beetles are not native to the Pacific Northwest. In the past, they’ve been found near Portland International Airport, suggesting they hitched a ride on air cargo containers.

Officials said the beetles feed on a variety of plants and pose a threat to crops such as cannabis, hops, nursery plants and wine grapes.