Foreign plant pest makes second trip in 11 years to West Fargo

West Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) - A plant pest widely found in the eastern U.S. has been detected in West Fargo for the second time in 11 years.

Japanese beetles have been found in traps.

The bug mainly damages trees, ornamental plants and grass, but they also can damage soybean and corn crops.

The last time a beetle was found was in 2001, in Burleigh County.

Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring says people shouldn't be too alarmed but should keep their eye out for the pest.

Doug Goehring, ND Agriculture Commissioner: “It has an appetite also for corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and it has a veracious appetite. It can defoliate a plant rather quickly for its size and actually it is fairly a large beetle. It's about a half inch.”

The Ag department monitors about 80 traps.

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