Japanese beetles in west-central Orem that survived last summer's pesticide treatments are expected to begin emerging from the ground in about two weeks.

Clint Burfitt, an entomologist with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, said last year's pesticide treatments knocked down the beetle populations by one-third. With a cooler than normal spring, he said the beetles, which last year surfaced around June 17, are about a week behind schedule.

"All the traps are out and set," he said. "We haven't seen anything yet."

Because fewer beetles were found last year, the treatment zone has also been reduced by 50 percent, said Larry Lewis, a Utah agriculture department spokesman. The smaller treatment area is roughly within the boundaries of 700 North, Orem Boulevard, Center Street, 900 West and a small area within 800 North, 890 West, 570 North, and 1200 West.

Because of the reduced treatment area size (approximately 267 acres) Lewis said the price tag for the state-funded treatments at $250,000 is half as much as last year.

On Friday, Trugreen ChemLawn crews will begin a new series of pesticide sprayings with the treatment boundaries at the Orem Community Hospital and Geneva and Suncrest elementary schools, he said. Treatment of residential areas is scheduled for June 23 to July 3, moving from the south end of the treatment zone to the north end.

"The start date for residents will not all be on the same day," said state Plant Industry division director Clair Allen. "... Residents can expect a visit any time between June 23 and July 3."

Open houses about this year's round of treatments were held in February. All residents will be notified of the sprayings in advance, Lewis said.

"We will go door-to-door making personal contact or leaving door hangers to let them know 72 hours ahead of time," he said.

Treatments will include a single ground spraying and one to two foliar treatments again in July for problem areas and as needed.

Gardening will be allowed in treatment areas this summer because the state will be using a pesticide called Carbaryl, which is approved for use on food items with some limitations. But Lewis said those who harvest and consume produce in the infestation area should still follow basic guidelines that provide anywhere from a 3 to 4 day to two week waiting period for the pesticides to decay. A specific list of wait times on specific produce is available online at http://ag.utah.gov/pressrel/JBInfoPage.html or by calling USU Extension at 851-8463.

A state Declaration of Insect Emergency issued May, 17, 2007, remains in effect with the state's goal being complete eradication, not simply control of the beetles, as states with heavier infestations have done, Lewis said.

An all-in-one 2008 Japanese Beetle Eradication Program informational guide was mailed to effected Orem residents in February. Also available at www.orem.org by clicking on the Japanese beetle photo in the center, the pamphlet contains details on the eradication program, maps of treatment areas, specifics on the pesticides used, and Web site and contact numbers for more information.

As last year, residents in the infestation area will need to bag green waste this summer, and sod, soil and root balls year round, to prevent the spread of beetles outside of the infestation area, said Orem assistant city manager Richard Manning. Residents are also asked not to aerate or power rake their lawns within the treatment zone.

State officials are asking residents who plant gardens to create a 5-foot barrier (such as mulch) between lawns and gardens to minimize beetle migrations.

Lewis said the state is still anticipating a three-year eradication program in Orem.

"We've had excellent cooperation with people there," he said. "They understand what's at stake and are doing their part."