Returning from Italy means checking the camper for one small stowaway

When a campsite is packed away, a small copper-green beetle can be brushed aside as an ordinary insect. NVWA reported that a dead Japanese beetle was found in late July inside plastic transport crates from Italy. Traps placed afterwards caught no additional beetles, and there is currently no evidence of an established Dutch population. The concern is its ability to hitchhike long distances on cars, trucks and trains while damaging many plant species. Populations exist in northern Italy and parts of Switzerland, Germany, Croatia and the Azores, so travellers returning between June and October should inspect vehicles, campers, tents and luggage. Hokimi does not recommend panic or improvised pesticide use. If a beetle looks suspicious, catch it safely, take clear photographs and report it directly to NVWA for identification. It does not harm people or animals; the objective is preventing establishment in gardens, farms and nature.

• NVWA found one dead Japanese beetle in a transport crate that came from Italy.
• Follow-up traps found no others and establishment in the Netherlands is not confirmed.
• Travellers returning from June to October should inspect vehicles, camping equipment and luggage.
• A suspected beetle should be caught, photographed and reported to NVWA immediately.

Hokimi field note: Before leaving, close vehicle doors and inspect folding furniture, tent seams, roof boxes and luggage. Keep a suspected beetle contained, photograph its back and white side tufts, then use the official reporting route.

Information verified on 23 August 2026 · Source1 · Source2