City crews will be spraying fields in two Port Coquitlam parks today (Oct. 20).
The city explained it will be spraying larvicide to attack an invasive species called the Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica).
Parks being sprayed include Thompson Park, on Morgan Avenue near Pitt River Road, and McLean Park, on Wellington Street off Prairie Avenue on the city's north side.
The larvicide treatment (Acelepryn) is not harmful to people, birds or animals.
However, the city asks people to stay off the grass for 24 hours to allow the treatment to take effect.
The city is working directly with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as the Japanese beetle is a federally regulated invasive pest.
Monitoring for this pest has been ongoing since 2017 by the CFIA and will continue until they deem it eradicated or under control.
First detected in Vancouver in 2017, the city was notified of the first detection in 2020, and was notified of a second detection in late 2021.
Additional Japanese beetles have since been detected in the community, according to the city, which has provided answers to frequently asked questions on its website.
The invasive insect can cause serious damage to gardens, lawns and plants and those who see signs of feeding damage are encouraged to report directly to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
These voracious insects will eat flowers, foliage and fruit of more than 250 plant species, including roses, blueberries, grapes, maples, and elms.
