Lombard summer is again marked by the massive presence of Popillia Japonica, better known as Japanese Scarabeo. This infesting beetle has reached the maximum peak of its seasonal population in these days, arousing concern between administrators and citizens. The first reports have already appeared at the end of May, but now the situation requires particular attention and targeted interventions.
An alien invader
Popillia Japonica represents an invasive alien species that made its first appearance in Europe in 2014, establishing itself between Piedmont and Lombardy, in the suggestive Ticino park. Since then, its diffusion has been unstoppable, extending to almost all the Lombard provinces, with the only exception of Mantua. As explained by the regional councilor for agriculture, food sovereignty and forests, Alessandro Beduschi, the phenomenon is constantly monitored by the regional phytosanitary service, which implements specific containment actions.
The distribution of the insect on the regional territory has variable intensity, but the areas of greatest concentration coincide with those recently settlement, where the environmental conditions of vegetation and humidity favor proliferation. This diffusion pattern highlights how the adaptation of the species to the Lombardy territory is progressive but constant, requiring a strategic approach for containment.
How to contain Popillia Japonica
Lombardy Region has put in place a coordinated response through a capillary control network that has 20 detection sites distributed strategically on the territory. The containment plan provides for the use of 1,200 specialized devices called “Attract and Kill”, sophisticated systems made up of tripods equipped with attractive baits and networks treated with insecticide. Each device is identified by a unique code and accompanied by information signs to raise awareness of the population.
These tools represent the result of targeted scientific research and must not be tampered with or moved by citizens. In fact, their effectiveness depends on the strategic positioning and the maintenance of the original technical characteristics. The regional intervention demonstrates how the fight against invasive species requires specific skills and a professional approach.
What citizens can do
The collaboration of citizens proves to be fundamental to prevent the accidental diffusion of the beetle. For those who have to manage the presence of the insect in vegetable gardens, gardens or terraces, there are recommended methods that respect the environment and human health. In case of limited infestations, the manual collection of beetles represents the most effective and sustainable solution. The captured insects must be eliminated by immersing them in a solution of soap and water.
A valid alternative consists in the use of anti -setting nets to be shaken during the early hours of the morning, when adults are less active and therefore more easily captured. This approach uses the circadian rhythms of the insect, maximizing the effectiveness of the intervention with the minimum disorder for the surrounding ecosystem.
Beware of commercial traps
A crucial aspect to underline concerns the improper use of commercial traps in private gardens. These devices, easily available on the market, may seem an attractive solution for the Giardini owners, but hide a significant risk. Commercial traps often attract more insects than those actually manage to capture, creating a counterproductive effect that worsens the local situation.
This phenomenon occurs because the traps emit chemical signals that recall the scarabes from a much wider area than that they can actually control. The result is a concentration of insects that, unable to be captured, disperse in the surrounding environment, increasing the pressure on the plants and aggravating the infestation.
When and how to use insecticides
Insecticide treatments represent an option to be considered exclusively in the presence of strong infestations. Their application must be carried out with extreme caution, scrupulously following the technical indications provided by the competent authorities and available online. The indiscriminate use of these products can in fact cause collateral damage to the ecosystem, also affecting beneficial species such as pollinators.
The decision to resort to insecticides must be based on a careful evaluation of the cost-benefit ratio, considering not only the immediate effectiveness but also the long-term effects on the environment. The formation and information of citizens on these aspects are therefore essential for responsible use of phytosanitary products.
The evolution of the situation is followed daily by the competent authorities, which maintain a constant alert system. The popillia Japonica population will begin to drop only from mid -August, and then disappear completely until the following spring. This predictable biological cycle allows you to plan targeted interventions and to prepare preventive strategies for future seasons.
As the commissioner Beduschi highlights, Popillia represents a potential threat to Lombard agriculture, but so far the economic damages have remained content thanks to capillary monitoring and timely interventions. This result demonstrates the effectiveness of the integrated approach adopted by the Region, which combines scientific research, technical interventions and citizenship involvement.
Useful information
For all those who wish to deepen their knowledge of this phenomenon or need updated information on containment strategies, Lombardy Region has prepared a complete online resource. The website www.fitosanitario.regione.lombardia.it offers technical documentation, practical advice and real -time updates on the situation of the festival.
The fight against popillia Japonica represents a significant example of how modern environmental challenges require a coordinated approach between institutions, experts and citizens. Only through the collaboration and sharing of knowledge will it be possible to minimize the negative effects of this invasive species and protect the agricultural and environmental heritage of Lombardy.
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