Pennsylvania is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and insects. Unfortunately, when invasive species are introduced into existing habitats, they disrupt the delicate balance, causing a loss of flora and fauna and their diversity.
Take the emerald ash borer, which has already killed over 100 million ash trees across the Lehigh Valley and Pennsylvania.
The Spotted lanternfly is another prominent bug, which has softly declined due to public awareness of their presence and impact on the local ecology.
Dealing with these pests starts by learning more about them. Knowing what they look like, their behavior patterns, and how they spread is the first step in protecting your home, yard, and the state’s agriculture from them.
This guide will identify five invasive bug species in Pennsylvania and how residents can help control their spread.
What Makes a Bug “Invasive”?
An invasive insect is unlike native pests in that it’s not from the area. The local ecosystem isn’t equipped to deal with their feeding and nesting patterns, nor are there any natural predators available, so the ecosystem has no way of balancing itself when they’re introduced.
The environmental consequences of invasive pests can be massive, with effects on local plant and wildlife, as well as on human health and even the economy.
In Pennsylvania, invasive bugs can:
- Kill trees and ornamental plants.
- Destroy valuable crops like grapes, apples, and hardwoods
- Spread rapidly across neighborhoods and counties
This is why early detection and reporting are critical in managing their impact.
The Most Common Invasive Insects in Pennsylvania
To fully understand the threat invasive species pose to the local area, you need to familiarize yourself with them and their behavior patterns. Being able to locate and identify them is critical to properly dealing with and accurately reporting them.
1. Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted lantern fly has grown to be the most infamous invasive species in Pennsylvania over the past decade. Originally appearing in 2014, this pest has spread across multiple counties, feeding on more than 70 plant species, including fruit trees, vines, and hardwoods.
Spotted lantern flies leave behind a sticky residue known as honeydew as they feed. This residue promotes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that coats everything from plants to cars, causing environmental and household headaches.
2. Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer has been negatively impacting Pennsylvania’s ecosystems since 2007. This small green beetle’s larvae burrow under the bark of ash trees while adults eat the leaves. Once infested, a tree usually dies within a few years because its ability to transport nutrients is effectively cut off. This pest has destroyed over a hundred million trees since its arrival and counting.
3. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
The brown marmorated stink bug has been causing disruption in Pennsylvania since 1998. These invasive species cause damage to field crops, fruits, and vegetables as they feed. They often find their way into homes, too. While they don’t pose any threat to the structure, their sheer numbers and foul odor make them hard to ignore.
4. Gypsy Moth (Spongy Moth)
The gypsy moth, now known as the spongy moth, is another very famous invasive species in the US. These pests defoliate oak and other hardwood trees. During an outbreak, caterpillars strip trees bare, leaving them exposed to disease and other pests. The spongy moth arrived in the late 1800s, which goes to show how long the environment struggles to contend with invasive species.
5. Asian Tiger Mosquito
The asian tiger mosquito first appeared in 1985. Like any mosquito, they will feed on humans. What separates them from other species is that they’re particularly aggressive and will feed during the day. They are both a public health and comfort concern due to their ability to transmit diseases.
How Invasive Bugs Affect Homes, Yards, and Agriculture
Invasive insect species are an inconvenience to local residents. However, their impacts go far beyond being a simple annoyance. If they aren’t dealt with, they can cause tremendous damage to your home, local environment, and even the economy. Some can even create health concerns. All of which should be taken seriously, especially when stacked together as multiple invasive species simultaneously impact an area.
- In Homes: Stink bugs and lanternflies invade structures, leaving stains and foul odors
- In Yards: Trees, shrubs, and ornamental plants suffer from feeding damage, honeydew, and mold
- In Agriculture: Grapevines, orchards, and valuable crops face destruction, costing millions each year
- In Health: Mosquitos can easily transmit disease as they travel from person to person.
How Residents Can Help Stop the Spread
As a resident of Pennsylvania, you’re bound to encounter plenty of invasive species. When you do, your automatic reaction will be to kill them on the spot, which is often encouraged.
However, you should take a few extra steps to further aid in the state’s fight against them. Not only can this help reduce invasive insect populations, but early detection will slow the spread and save more headaches on a state-wide scale. Here’s how you can do your part to combat invasive species:
- Report sightings of spotted lanternflies and other invasive bugs.
- Avoid moving firewood, plants, or outdoor materials between counties.
- Inspect vehicles and belongings before traveling out of infested areas.
- Schedule a professional pest inspection if you suspect invasive insects on your property.
By learning more about invasive pests in Pennsylvania and how to identify them, you can take the proper steps to alert authorities and stop their spread.
FAQs
Why are spotted lanternflies such a big problem?
Spotted lantern flies threaten both agriculture and the environment by feeding on crops, vines, and hardwoods. Their honeydew also promotes the growth of sooty mold.
Can invasive bugs damage my home or just plants?
Most invasive species cause environmental concerns by feeding on trees and crops. Others, like stink bugs and mosquitoes, create comfort and health concerns by invading homes and targeting people.
Are invasive insects dangerous to people or pets?
Most are not dangerous to people and pets in PA. The tiger mosquito is the only exception as it can transmit disease as it travels from person to person to feed.
Do I need to report invasive species if I see them?
Yes. Reporting helps with early detection and containment. If you see any regulated invasive species, notify your local agricultural extension or pest control professional.
