Five Invasive Pest Species To Watch For This Fall

The National Pest Management Association Shares Helpful Information About Invasive Species Making Their Way Across the U.S.

FAIRFAX, VA (November 18, 2024) – As temperatures drop and the fall season sets in, fall pests, including invasive species, are settling into homes across the United States as they seek shelter ahead of winter. While pests like rodents and cockroaches are well-known by homeowners, invasive species can be just a troublesome, often with less awareness about the threats they pose and their impact on existing ecosystems. Some species, such as the longhorned tick and red imported fire ant, can be a health concern. 

“Invasive species can rapidly take over new environments, disrupting nature and causing concern for both entomologists and pest control,” says Dr. Jim Fredericks, entomologist and Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at NPMA. “Some species are less harmful than others, but it’s important that homeowners to be informed about each one. This awareness helps prevent unnecessary alarm and ensures homeowners are prepared if a species does become a threat.”

These are the five invasive species NPMA is warning homeowners about:

1. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Where they are found: Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Mid-West and Pacific Northwest States
Threats: Known for their habit of entering homes in large numbers during the fall, these smelly bugs are mostly a nuisance pest. While they do not pose any health threats, they can cause significant damage to crops and plants, and will overpopulate areas of a home. 

2. Joro Spider

Where they are found: Southeastern United States, particularly Georgia and South Carolina
Threats: While fall is a peak time of year for all spiders, the Joro spider is new to the U.S. and has a very intimidating appearance. First discovered in 2014, this spider species is beginning to spread to other states beyond the south. It’s not common for Joro spiders to bite, and despite their menacing looks, they tend to be shy. 

3. Asian Longhorned Ticks

Where they are found: Southeast to Northeast States
Threats: First discovered in the U.S. in 2017, the Asian longhorned tick is an invasive species native to Asia. This tick species has the unique ability to reproduce without mating, which allows them to lay up to 2,000 new eggs without a male partner. Known for latching onto livestock and wildlife, and sometimes humans, longhorned ticks are vectors of several diseases. 

4. Spotted Lanternfly

Where they are found: Northeastern states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Threats: This pest looks innocent, but spotted lanternflies pose a significant threat to the agriculture industry. Spotted lanternflies make plants and trees more susceptible to disease and further damage through the feeding process.

5. Red Imported Fire Ant

Where they are found: Red imported fire ants were first detected in Alabama in the 1930’s and have spread across the southeastern U.S. from Texas to Florida, and as far north as Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.  Also found in California and New Mexico.

Threats: Red imported fire ants can inflict painful stings when disturbed.  These stings may cause allergic reactions and can send susceptible people to the hospital.

NPMA experts recommend homeowners take proactive steps to protect their homes against invasive species and other fall pests by sealing cracks and openings, reducing moisture buildup, and eliminating standing water around their home. It’s also best to work with a licensed pest control professional to ensure your home is properly protected.

For more information about invasive pests or to find a licensed pest control professional in your area, visit PestWorld.org.

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