Effort to eradicate "highly destructive" invasive Japanese beetle underway in Washington state

The Washington State Department of Agriculture said it has started treatments to eradicate an invasive Japanese beetle infestation in central Washington. The agency said it plans to treat around 2,000 acres in Grandview and surrounding areas of Yakima and Benton counties.

The highly invasive pest eats more than 300 different plants including roses, grapes and hops. If left to reproduce and spread, the beetles would pose a serious threat to farms, gardens, and the environment of Washington state, officials said.

"The Japanese beetle is a highly destructive plant pest that can be very difficult and expensive to control," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.