Because slowing or stopping their spread helps both your immediate landscape as well as the larger environment.
Kathryn Bronskyis a national policy manager with the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
What Are Invasive Insects?
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They can come in on plants and seeds shipped by travelers or stow away in product shipments.
A non-native bug, plant, or microbe is considered invasive once it displays certain harmful characteristics.
Here are the biggest threats, according to the USDA, and what to do if you spot them.
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1.
Its preferred host is the aggressively spreading tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima).
First seen in 2014 in Pennsylvania, spotted lanternflies are now reported in 17 states.
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If already established in your region, just smash them.
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2.
Adaptable to varied climates, it also spreads easily through infested firewood, logs, or nursery stock.
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Recommendation:Buy local firewood or certified heat-treated firewood to prevent spreading EAB.
Affected trees can be completely defoliated, giving a wintry appearance in summer.
The eggs may be transported on firewood, lawn furniture, or outdoor toys and accessories.
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4.
Invasive Fruit Flies
The USDA lists four types offruit flieson its most threatening list.
Tips for Stopping Invasive Pests
Awareness is a big part of keeping invasive pests at bay.
Use these tips to further avoid spreading harmful pests.
USDA asks Americans to protect plants by looking for invasive pests in April.
(2023, April 4).
United Nations declares 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health.
(2020, January 27).
