Orem wants to zap voracious beetles

OREM — Hundreds of residents gathered Thursday night to discuss a mini-monster in their midst. The offending creature is less than an inch long but has stirred up quite a bit of concern and controversy.

A resident discovered the first Japanese beetle in the area last summer, sparking concerns for Utah Department of Agriculture officials, who have continuously worked to keep the voracious plant-eating pest out of the state.

Almost all Eastern states have active populations of the pest, but so far the Orem area is the only place in Utah were the bug resides.

"We view this infestation as a legitimate emergency," said Larry Lewis, public information officer for the Department of Agriculture and Food, at the meeting. "The Japanese beetle is one of the two most destructive insects in the U.S."

Officials and experts from a variety of entities, including the city of Orem and Utah State University, explained their plan to eradicate the beetle to residents who attended the meeting, held at Geneva Elementary School. People filled the room, spilled out into the hallway and sat on the floor.

The eradication plan requires residents in the area to cease gardening for three years during a blanket insecticide treatment.

The treatment area includes the Geneva, Centrist and Orem North neighborhoods and covers about 600 acres. State Street and I-15 border the area on the east and west and 800 North and 400 South make up the other boundaries.

In order to eradicate the beetle, which is particularly attracted to roses, the Utah Department of Agriculture is proposing three insecticide treatments to the lawns and foliage in the designated area. Residents would not be able to eat any fruits or vegetables grown in the treated area, but officials at the meeting said the insecticides do not pose any health risks for humans.

Some residents weren't convinced.

Tim Lawson, who lives in the affected area, urged attendees to research the insecticides, Tempo and Merit, which will be used on their lawns.

"This is a situation that's a lot more dangerous than (they're) telling you," he said. "If you don't believe me, go online."

Lawson, who said he has already rallied many of his neighbors to his cause, said he will sue if the city goes forward with its their plan. Natural remedies, such as nematodes, would be a better solution, he said.