Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms not native to BC whose introduction and spread harms the province’s native species, economy and human health.
Why should you care?
Most invasive species are unintentionally introduced by human activities into places outside their native habitat and, once they’re removed from natural predators and diseases they often reproduce, spread and choke out native species.
With few limits on their populations invasive species can easily take over sensitive ecosystems permanently upsetting the balance of plant, insect, bird and other animal life. Local governments, including Pitt Meadows, spend thousands of dollars each year to try to manage invasive species in our communities. For more information about how to recognize and manage common local invasive species, see the following resources:
- Invasive Species Council of BC
- Invasive Species Council of Metro Vancouver
- Help Stop the Spread Brochure
Notice of Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) detection
In August 2026, one Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) was detected in the City of Pitt Meadows for the first time during routine surveillance activities.
The Japanese beetle is an invasive insect that can cause serious damage to gardens, lawns and plants in our city. If you see this beetle or signs of feeding damage, please report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The CFIA is responsible for surveillance to determine the extent of the presence of Japanese beetle in British Columbia and oversees regulatory controls related to the response. If additional detections occur this season, then the CFIA will examine what regulatory measures may need to take place. Currently, these is no plan to create a regulated area in the City of Pitt Meadows. The CFIA is in the process of contacting the agricultural properties that are near the detection and could be at-risk from Japanese beetle infestation due to the biology and appetite of this invasive species.
The City will continue to work with CFIA to monitor the Japanese beetle detection in Pitt Meadows.
For more information about the Japanese beetle, visit the CFIA and Province of BC websites, or watch this Japanese Beetle informational video from the Invasive Species Council of BC.
How can you help?
Report It
If you see a plant that looks out of place or a creature you don’t recognize and have concerns about, we encourage you to report it. Invasive species tend to pop up in areas that we frequent – like dog walking trails and local parks, or along roadsides and in ditches. Thank you for taking action by reporting invasive species you see!
Volunteer
Help protect British Columbia through the BC Invasives volunteer program. Become a volunteer here.