After an adult coconut rhinoceros beetle was found in Waikoloa last week, Big Island residents are once again urged to be vigilant when dealing with mulch and compost products.
This is the first detection of CRB on the island since October 2023, when a Waikoloa resident reported finding a six grubs in a decaying palm tree stump.
The state Department of Agriculture reported that this latest beetle was found in a trap about 200 yards from the location where the grubs were found, at an unspecified time last week.
Although the DOA and Big Island Invasive Species Committee have set pheromone traps around Waikoloa, they are used as an early detection system and are not an effective eradication method.
As other eradication efforts are underway, residents are asked to report any further signs of the beetle.
“CRB surveillance on Hawaii Island has been ongoing, and early detection is key to prevent the establishment of breeding populations,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture in a statement Saturday. “We ask everyone to keep an eye out for CRB, especially in their compost and mulch piles, which are major breeding grounds of the beetle.”
Adult beetles are about 2 inches long, all black and have a single horn on their heads. Their grubs live in decomposing plant and animal waste, while adults feed on coconut palms and other large palm trees.
The adult beetles burrow into growing palm trees’ spears, leaving distinctive angular cuts in the tree’s leaves as they unfurl.
More information about CRB detection can be found at crbhawaii.org. Reports of possible infestations can be made to the state’s toll-free hotline at (808) 643-PEST.
Meanwhile, BIISC will host an public information session to raise awareness about the CRB from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.
Early attendance is encouraged as space is limited. Attendees can contact BIISC for more information at (808) 933-3340.