In the world of gardening, there are a handful of invasive insects that can jeopardize your backyard oasis, turning it into a wasteland. Each of these tiny troublemakers comes with some unique characteristics and some destructive tendencies. They have their eyes on your plants, and they are hungry! The trick is to find them before they cause some serious damage. Here is a list of five relentless, invasive insects that gardeners dread to see:
1. Japanese Beetle
With its shimmering green and bronze exterior, the Japanese beetle is a sight to see. Imported from Japan, this hungry little beetle can devour a broad array of plants, leaving behind withered leaves and flowers in its path, mainly going after our beautiful rose bushes, fruit trees, and vegetables.
2. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
Identified by its distinctive brown shell, the brown marmorated stink bug gains its infamous name due to its foul odor. The smelly bug was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 90s. Originally from Asia, this stinky pest can infiltrate gardens and orchards, munching on fruits and vegetables that it finds. They cast an intense scent that can run off any unsuspecting gardener or predator.
3. Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer charms with its incredible metallic green hue. Don’t be fooled! This little beetle may be beautiful, but this asian-native has unleashed devastation over North American ash tree populations for many years. Turning gorgeous forest canopies into barren lands by digging into their bark and disrupting the trees’ natural flow. The Emerald Ash Borer is responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in approximately 30 states.
4. Spotted Lanternfly
With unique wings decorated in complex designs, the spotted lanternfly seems like a living piece of art. These Invasive Insects are native to northern China and was first recorded in Pennsylvania in 2014. It poses a substantial threat as it can forage on a variety of plants, including tender grapes and fruit trees, leaving them stressed and weak.
5. Spotted Wing Drosophila
This fruit fly is unique because it is attracted to ripening fruit. It can immediately spell disaster for any ripening produce. Laying its eggs just underneath the skin of strawberries, cherries, and other tasty treats, the spotted wing drosophila starts a process of decay that can instantly start to destroy crops before they are ever ready to be harvested.
Small Yet Mighty
These pests can really wreak havoc in no time, so it’s important to stay alert and take action against their destructive ways. If we want to keep our backyards and crops healthy and thriving, we’ve got to tackle these challenges head-on.
Final Thoughts
These invasive insects may be small, but they can make such a big mess of our gardens and crops. From the rose-destroying Japanese beetle to those annoying little spotted wing drosophila that ruin our precious crops, these pests are ruthless and can undo all of our hard work in a short time. Staying in the know and being vigilant is key! Whether it’s spotting them early, using clever deterrents, or employing specific prevention methods, gardeners all over need to be proactive in guarding their plants. With some knowledge and quick action, we can keep our outdoor spaces looking great and free from invasive pests like these.
