The Japanese beetle is a voracious predator: it damages over 400 different plant species (deciduous trees, ornamental and fruit trees, agricultural crops and meadows). It has already caused damage in Switzerland and Italy. In the infested areas of the Lombardy region (Italy), the first beetles were found from the beginning of June this year. In Switzerland, the first beetles were caught in traps in the infested area near Zurich in mid-June. Individual beetles were also found several times last year in Germany and Slovenia. In July, it was detected for the first time in Vorarlberg.

It is a male that probably arrived in Vorarlberg as a stowaway in a car: Japanese beetles were already caught in traps in the immediate vicinity in Germany last year. The molecular biological determination at our National Reference Laboratory for Plant Health - Insects and Mites has confirmed that this is the first Japanese beetle in Austria.

Early detection of the pest is the most important tool for preventing the spread of the pest in good time. The beetle flight began in June. Suspicious beetle findings can be reported via our Japanese beetle reporting platform, e.g. if a possible Japanese beetle is discovered in the garden or on walks, in fields, in meadows or in the car after returning from holiday in Italy or Switzerland.

In the European Union, the Japanese beetle is listed as a priority quarantine pest. This refers to insects, mites, viruses, bacteria, fungi and invasive plants that do not yet occur or are not yet widespread in the EU. The occurrence of these pests must be reported.

Detailed information on the most important characteristics of the Japanese beetle and how to recognise it.

Further information on the Japanese beetle can also be found on the website of the Official Austrian Plant Protection Service.