Pest Videos

Transcript

Have you ever wondered how bugs got here? Like, here? To your backyard, home, inside your walls? Invasive species often travel long distances, and without natural predators, they can multiply and spread quickly. Not just uninvited guests, these pests can harm our health and homes. So, how did they get here?

The brown marmorated stink bug was first spotted in Pennsylvania in 1996 after it was accidentally imported to the U.S. on a shipping container from Eastern Asia. It's now found in more than 38 states. These nuisance bugs aren't harmful to humans, but true to their name, they do stink when crushed. They also pose a serious threat to the plants in your garden.

Asian giant hornets from Northern India and East Asia were first noticed near British Columbia in 2019. They most likely arrived by cargo ship. These so-called "murder hornets," the largest in the world, have underground colonies that are hard to spot and are known to sting repeatedly when threatened. Those with bee or wasp allergies beware.

The Asian longhorned tick came to New Jersey in 2017 from East Asia, likely through a host like a pet, and is now found in about 15 states. Like other tick species, the Asian longhorned tick is known to spread disease and can pose significant health threats to animals and humans.

The spotted lanternfly from China was first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014, likely arriving via shipments of stone. It has since spread to several other states. These striking bugs are a major threat to native trees and agriculture and proliferate very quickly to new regions of the country. Look for their egg masses on tree trunks and even outdoor equipment like grills—and kill any you notice to help stop their spread.

Meet the red imported fire ant. Originally from South America, this invasive pest was first spotted in Mobile, Alabama, in the late 1930s and spread by way of potted plants, shrubs, and trees. Today, the Department of Agriculture states that this pest, along with the black imported fire ant, has invaded more than 367 million acres across the country. Though tiny, this fierce ant is best known for its painful sting.

The Formosan termite is native to Southern China and was first reported in Texas in 1965, likely arriving in a shipment of wood. This invasive pest is the most aggressive termite known to science and can be found in over a dozen southern states. A mature colony can consume a foot of 2x4 wood in just 25 days and severely damage a home in a few months. Don't forget your annual termite inspection and always look out for signs of damage.

If these pests look familiar, contact a licensed pest control professional who can confirm the species and recommend effective and safe removal methods. In some cases, you may be encouraged to report the pest to your local Department of Agriculture.