We recently posted information about measures to limit the spread of the invasive Japanese beetle, that threatens lawns and many cultivated plants. When the beetle was first detected in the St. Jakob / Meriangärten /Münchenstein area, Basel-Stadt implemented several measures to combat the beetles and limit their spread if possible. However, since then, traps placed in other areas have captured additional beetles, prompting the city to expand the areas where protective measures are being implemented.

These measures apply to two different zones—the infestation zone (indicated in orange), and a buffer zone around it (indicated in yellow):

• In the infestation zone, it is forbidden to water lawns and other grassy areas (because the beetles need moist soil to lay eggs and for the grubs to grow). You may still water plants in flower- or vegetable beds as well as potted plants if the beds and pots are free of grass. In addition, you are not allowed to transport garden refuse, compost, and soil out of the infestation zone into the buffer zone or other unaffected areas. These measures for now will remain effective until September 30.
• In the buffer zone, plant materials may not be transported out of the zone into unaffected areas; transport and trade of plants that were grown in the soil in the buffer zone is only allowed under certain conditions (eg, if the soil in the pots is protected by a layer of insect-proof coconut fibers). Again, these regulations remain in effect until the end of September.

Residents are also asked to keep an eye out for Japanese beetles in their neighborhood. The beetles are slightly bigger than a coffee bean and smaller than a 5-Rappen coin. The head is a metallic green and the wings have a copper color. In contrast to similar local beetles, the Japanese beetles can easily be recognized by five small tufts of white hair on each side and two larger tufts at the rear end of the body.

If you find a suspected Japanese beetle, place it in a tightly closed jar or other container and put it into the freezer overnight. You are also asked to call the hotline at 061-267-6400 to report where exactly you found the beetle.

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