Invasive species are a serious problem impacting rural and urban landscapes throughout the country. Whether it’s iguanas in South Florida or Japanese green crabs on Cape Cod, invasive species wreak havoc on local ecosystems. They can effectively compete with, crowd, out, or kill native species changing habitats forever.
On the East Coast, the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that is again making headlines. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have placed dozens of counties (34 in Pennsylvania, 13 in New Jersey) under agricultural quarantine due to infestation. As of 2021, these invasive pests have also been spotted in Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, Virginia, Ohio, and as far west as Indiana.
Continue Reading Spotted Lanternfly Update: What You Need To Know
The spotted lanternfly originally came to the U.S. from their native China, although it is not known exactly how they accomplished this. In any case, they first appeared in Pennsylvania in the year 2014, and have since made their way to six other states, including New York and New Jersey. They are considered to be a serious pest, because they feed on the sap of trees, often weakening them, and in some cases causing them to die completely.
There is cause for concern now that the spotted lanternfly has become established in this country because after being introduced in Korea in 2006, the spotted lanternfly became an extremely invasive species which caused extensive damage in that country. They can impact a number of cash crops, such as fruit orchards, grape vineyards, and nut trees, so they can potentially cause damage which could soar into the billions of dollars.
The information below will help you to identify the spotted lanternfly, so you can take the proper steps to eliminate them from your area, and protect your trees and vegetables from them.
Continue Reading Spotted Lanternfly in New Jersey: What you need to know
The average lifespan of a Japanese beetle is only about four to six weeks, but as any gardener supply store could tell you, that’s enough time for them to make meal out of your garden.
But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless against these pests. Peak Japanese beetle season is underway, so let’s take a look at some pest control methods you can use to keep them away from your plants.
Continue Reading Battling Japanese Beetles: How to Get Rid of These Garden Pests