They may come from nature, but certain pests are anything but natural as far as the area they’re found is concerned. When left unchecked, invasive pests can run rampant in new ecosystems, destroying plants, upsetting the food chain and wreaking general havoc. Here are some of history’s most extreme pest invasions.
Asian Citrus Psyllids: This small insect transmits a disease called Huanglongbing, or greening disease, which is one of the most virulent threats out there to citrus plants. Originating in Asia, these pests were first introduced to Florida in 1998 and have spread from there to Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina. They crossed the border from Mexico a decade later and now represent a serious threat to California orchards.
Erythrina Gall Wasps: These flying pests have threatened ecosystems all over the world, but they’re at their most dangerous in Hawaii. First discovered in 2005, these wasps complete their life cycles in just three weeks and can kill a wiliwili tree in as little as two years. Because the wililwili holds great cultural and ecological importance in Hawaii, the state government has taken major steps to stop the spread of these wasps.
Emerald Ash Borers: In 2002, this green beetle was first discovered in the forests of southeastern Michigan, having most likely hitched a ride on pallets shipped from China. While the adults do only superficial damage, the ash borers’ larvae eat the inner bark of ash trees, which disrupts their ability to transport water and nutrients. Emerald ash borers have killed tens of millions of trees in Michigan alone, and they’ve made their way all the way to Georgia, Colorado, Massachusetts and Canada.
Mediterranean Fruit Flies: This insect, often known as the “Medfly,” is widely considered the world’s most important agricultural pest, infecting commercial and garden fruits in Hawaii, the Middle East, western Australia, South America and southern Europe. A Medfly infestation in southern Florida in 1929 was the first of many invasions of the continental United States.
Formosan Termites: Right here in San Antonio, we’ve been the target of a major pest invasion. Formosan subterranean termites first appeared along the Gulf Coast in the 1950s, and their ability to hitch a ride on wooden furniture allows them to spread easily from home to home. In the half-century since their arrival, Formosan termites have been spotted in every major city in Texas, and they represent a growing threat to San Antonio homes.
At ABC Home & Commercial Services in San Antonio, we’re dedicated to fighting both native and invasive pest species throughout our service area. Give us a call to learn more about our pest control services.