OLYMPIA, Wash.-The invasive species seasonal trapping season is now over in Washington and the Department of Agriculture has released its numbers regarding Japanese Beetles, Spongy Moths and Hornets.
The WSDA trapped the invasive pests throughout the summer, however, with the end of the season the traps have now been removed.
The overall number of Japanese Beetles increased in 2024, according to the WSDA, with more than 26,700 beetles being collected this summer, compared with 19,655 last year.
About 1,500 beetles were caught in the Wapato area, 400 in the Pasco area and one in Kennewick, according to the WSDA.
Spongy Moth numbers were down in 2024 compared to a year ago, with just 32 moths being caught, according to the WSDA, which credits the decline in moth numbers to moth eradications held in the spring.
Hornet trapping is expected to continue through Nov., however, the WSDA has reportedly been unable to find what was suspected of being a Northern Giant Hornet in Port Orchard in Oct.
The WSDA is now accepting treatment consent forms for 2025 that would allow WSDA officials to conduct treatments on private property next spring. The forms are available for download through the WSDA website.
