(The Center Square) – April is Invasive Pest and Plant Disease Awareness month, and the United States Department of Agriculture is highlighting the damage that can be done in their wake.
The USDA reports that invasive plant pests and diseases cost the U.S. an estimated $40 billion annually in damages. The agency says invasive pests destroy crops leading to higher grocery prices, and job losses in the agricultural sector.
USDA agriculturist Kathryn Bronsky said pests are natural hitchhikers.
“It’s easy for people to accidentally move them to new areas,” said Bronsky. “They could be on your outdoor equipment, your vehicle, firewood, backyard fruits and vegetables, even online purchases from overseas.”
Bronsky said one invasive pest that is causing damage in Illinois is the spongy moth, which can defoliate hundreds of trees and shrubs if left uncontrolled. Spongy moths were introduced to the U.S. in the 1860s and, after escaping captivity in the Boston area, have been migrating outward ever since.
“Another pest that Illinoisans need to look out for is emerald ash borer and these beetles attack ash trees,” said Bronky.
The emerald ash borer is an invasive beetle responsible for the death of an estimated 250 million ash trees in Illinois and around the country. The emerald ash borer is a weak flyer, so the insect’s rapid spread in the U.S. since its arrival in Michigan over 20 years ago is tied to people transporting them by moving logs and firewood. It is the reason why Illinois does not allow firewood to be moved more than 50 miles.
Some of the invasive plant species that have appeared in Illinois include Morrow’s honeysuckle, and Mimosa.
Bronsky said people can learn more on how to combat invasive pests at HungryPests.com.
