Invasive Species: NL Japanese Beetle Proposed Control Plan – Treatment
The Japanese Beetle is an invasive species in Canada, which is regulated and included under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Pest Surveillance Program.
CFIA has detected isolated and sporadic occurrences of the Japanese beetle since 2014 in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2024, 14 beetles were trapped in St. John’s (thirteen beetles at seven sites) and Bay Bulls (one beetle at one site), in 2025, 94 beetles were trapped in St. John’s with additional beetles found by trapping partners. This information is publicly available on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency pest surveillance website available at: Plant health survey report for 2025-2026 – inspection.canada.ca. The increase of detections in 2024 and 2025 indicates potential overwintering and potential for significant spread if not controlled.
As this pest is known to feed on over 300 plant species, it is a significant threat to the agriculture industry and forest resources as well as many other sectors vital to the economy of NL. At this time, an eradication program is being conducted which will include the use of a larvicide treatment in areas where the Japanese beetle is known to be present. Acelepryn® and Mamba™ were selected as the treatments as these products are very effective against Japanese beetle larvae and present no impact to mammals, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
What is Acelepryn® and Mamba™?
Acelepryn® and Mamba™ are systemic larvicides that control a wide range pests on turf and on greenhouse and outdoor ornamentals. This includes control of the invasive species the Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica. These larvicides are registered for use by Health Canadas’ Pesticides Regulatory Directorate. Chlorantraniliprole, the active ingredient in Acelepryn® and Mamba™, is also registered for use on many food crops for insect control under other trade names including Altacor and Coragen. The larvicide targets root eating grubs primarily and will not impact people, pets, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
How will Acelepryn® and Mamba™ be used for Japanese beetle?
Acelepryn® and Mamba™, will be applied by a landscape company or individual who holds a valid Pesticide Applicator License (Issued by the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change). The liquid larvicide or granular larvicide will be applied directly to turfgrass in affected areas to control the larval stage (grubs). This will be used in high water volumes, or will be followed by irrigation to water the treatment into the soil to a depth of 2-5 cm. It will be applied one time during the growing season.
Government of NL is working closely with CFIA to determine quarantine and treatment areas.
How do I know Acelepryn® and Mamba™ are safe?
All pesticides registered in Canada are evaluated and registered by Health Canada before they can be used. Acelepryn® and Mamba™ are considered a reduced risk pesticide by Health Canada and also the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Health Canada takes into consideration the risk to applicators, bystanders, and people accessing treated turf, and the risk is negligible. Acelepryn® and Mamba™ were selected as they have a favourable health and environmental profile and is very effective against Japanese beetle larvae. There will be no impact to mammals, birds, bees, pollinators, or other animals.
When is it safe to enter treated areas?
All pesticide labels contain a re-entry period which indicates how long to wait before entering treated areas. The Acelepryn® and Mamba™ label indicates that treated recreational turf can be accessed and used after sprays have dried. If there is rain after application, the plant foliage may remain damp for an extended period, so the re-entry time for the site of application may be extended based on climatic conditions. Some public areas may be fenced off to reduce access to the public during these treatments, and all will have signage placed to indicate the re-entry period.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Position on the Use of Acelepryn® and Mamba™
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the importance of controlling pests in agriculture and forests in NL. Acelepryn® and Mamba™ are approved for use in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Environment Protection Act to control pests according to the pesticide label. Accordingly, government supports responsible and safe efforts that protect our environment, forests, agriculture sectors, and other sectors that rely on healthy plants and turf for business, recreation and sports.
The decision to use Acelepryn® and Mamba™ to control the invasive species, Japanese beetle was made after review of the potential environmental and economic impacts of establishment and spread of this pest.
Acelepryn® and Mamba™ controls root-eating grubs and will not harm people, pets, mammals, birds, bees, butterflies, or other plants and animals, including any animals that eat the treated grubs.
Government participates in programs to reduce insect populations in a number of industries, as their establishment may be detrimental to agriculture production, forestry, and natural resources within Newfoundland and Labrador.
References
Chlorantraniliprole Registration Decision rd2014-26-eng.pdf
CFIA Japanese Beetle Information Japanese beetle in Newfoundland – inspection.canada.ca.