Invasive bugs are one of the most significant threats to gardens throughout the United States, wreaking havoc on plants and disturbing local ecosystems. Understanding these pests is vital for gardeners and environmentalists alike. Here are a few of the most infamous invasive insects that could destroy your garden.
1. Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer is originally from Asia and has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the United States since since its introduction. It infests ash trees by depositing eggs in the bark, and the larvae feed on the phloem, killing the trees within a few years. The USDA had implemented quarantines to slow the spread of the pest but biological controls such as stingless wasps, are also being explored.
2. Asian Longhorned Beetle
This beetle attacks several tree species, including maple, oak and willow. It was brought to the U.S. via untreated wood from Asia and has already led to substantial tree loss in multiple states. The larvae feed on the phloem and sapwood, forming large tunnels that weaken the tree, resulting in death within 10 to 15 years.
3. Spotted Lanternfly
Diverse and voracious, the spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes, apples and hardwood trees, and was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014. It secretes honeydew, which attracts pests and promotes sooty mold, which then damages the plant even further. Egg masses can be laid on nearly any surface, making them hard to detect.
4. Spongy Moth
Previously called the gypsy moth, this insect is known for stripping leaves off hardwood trees. Its larvae can wreak havoc in forests and gardens. The moths are particularly mobile, allowing them to spread quickly across regions.
5. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
This stink bug is a polyphagous pest that feeds on numerous crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts. It has disrupted integrated pest management and poses a serious risk to agriculture. It was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2001 and has now spread across the U.S.
6. Asian Citrus Psyllid
A major threat to citrus crops, this psyllid can transmit citrus greening disease, which is devastating to citrus trees. Infected plants produce unmarketable fruit, and the disease has already caused havoc in citrus industries globally.
7. Japanese beetle
Adult Japanese beetles and their larvae feed on many types of plants, including ornamental trees and turfgrass. They can do a lot of aesthetic damage to gardens by eating leaves and flowers.
8. Spotted Wing Drosophila
This fruit fly primarily targets soft-skinned fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries, causing significant damage by boring into fruit to deposit its eggs. It is a major pest of berry crops and can cause considerable economic losses.
9. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
This aphid-like bug attacks and kills hemlock tress by feeding on nutrient and water storage cells at the base of needles. Hemlocks infested with this insect become less vigorous and may develop a grayish-green appearance, finally leading to tree death if left untreated.
10. Balsam Woolly Adelgid
The balsam woolly adelgid infests true fir tress, including balsam, Fraser, and concolor fir. It feeds on sap and weakens trees, and causing twig gouting, leading to tree death over several years.
Awareness and Prevention of Invasive Insects
It is important to be aware of invasive insects to prevent their spread. Gardeners can do their part by monitoring their gardens frequently for signs of infestation, like unusual damage or the presence of one of these insects. Early detection of the invasive species is important for minimizing their impacts, and reporting sightings locally can help with this. Moreover, following regulations that govern the movement of plants and soils can help as well by reducing the chance that invasive insects are introduced into new areas. For example, one such effort aims to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle by avoiding the transportation of firewood from infested regions.
Management and Control of Invasive Insects
Managing invasive insects requires a multi-faceted approach. Exclusion techniques, natural predators, and using specific pesticides can all help control for the pests. Biological controls, such as the introduction of stingless wasps to combat the emerald ash borer, are also showing promise. Community involvement is key, as collective efforts to monitor and control invasive species can greatly reduce their impact on gardens and ecosystems. In addition, supporting local initiatives can provide guidance and strengthen management efforts.
