#invasive insects

[tea-slur]

Keep an eye out for these Spotted Lanternfly patches and prints that will be up on my shop within the next couple weeks!

You can find my ko-fi shop here!

[thedragonboi]

Hate when invasive species are pretty cause I’ll see them and go “the joys of nature” and not realise it’s the cancer bug 3000 or something

[hylianbugs]

Marmorated stink bug

[olowan-waphiya]

[leafwarbler]

““The cool thing [is that] it's called the Elm zigzag sawfly, because as it feeds, it makes a zigzag pattern in the leaves,” said Kelly Oten, an extension specialist of forest health at North Carolina State University.”

The uncool thing, I suppose, is that this is a species from Asia that may be invasive in NC.

[bug-blogging]

A beautiful- but unfortunately invasive in the USA- Japanese Beetle.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Jerry rescues plants from a redevelopment site and shares tips on how to relocate them.

What to Avoid:

Established gardens often have environmental weed species that were planted unknowingly. In Brisbane these include cocos palm, tradescantia zebrina, coral vine, morning glory and the creeping inch plant which are very hard to eradicate and are weeds you'd rather leave behind. Transporting weeds to a new location can also worsen their environmental impact, so check your local authority’s website to identify each plant’s weed status before taking it with you. Invasive pests, like fire ants, or pathogens and diseases can also be spread with the movement of garden materials. Check the roots to make sure they look clean, and if you live in a containment area contact your local bio–security agency for advice.

Sadly, some plants are simply not worth the effort. Australian native, Lomandra hystrix, while useful is easy to find and very cheap to buy. And a bird of paradise might be tempting but they’re notorious for having incredibly strong deep roots and dense tough growth. You’d need a bobcat to shift it, so save your back and look elsewhere.

Save Seeds:

Seeds are a perfect way for plants to move; they’re already a whole plant packed and ready to travel. Jerry finds a bottlebrush and the Queensland classic, bushmans poison. As the name indicates, all parts of this plant are toxic to ingest, but it's a favourite in gardens for its pretty, sweet-smelling spring flowers which bees adore. This survivor is growing on shale soil and can weather harsh conditions. They’re readily propagated from seed when ripe, just make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself.

Lift Bulbs:

Another group of plants that travel well are bulbs. Hippeastrum can be expensive to buy and slow to establish which makes them valuable to save. To transport, dig them up and let the soil fall away, then trim back the leaves and roots to conserve moisture, and it’s ready to go. The important part to conserve is the bulb itself because that is the energy storage, carrying flowers for next year.

Take Cuttings:

Dracaenas aren’t exactly uncommon; however, they offer instant size through maturity. To propagate a super-sized cutting, use a sharp saw to cut the trunks cleanly at the base. You can tie this against a fence with its base touching soil, and over summer it will take root and can be replanted where you want it. Alternatively, each branch tip will root in the same way offering you a whole garden bed worth of plants. Succulents and cacti can also easily be propagated by cuttings, such as the spineless, night-flowering orchid cactus, Epiphyllum hookeri.

An iconic Queensland combination is a clump of elkhorn ferns growing on the side of a frangipani. In winter, the frangipani loses its leaves, and the winter sunshine benefits the fern. In summer when the leaves return, they shade the fern from the hot summer sun. In return, the elkhorn fern gathers leaves, storing nutrients and moisture to drip feed the frangipani. It's a blissful marriage. To transplant an elkhorn, use a sharp pruning saw to remove individual plants and then pot them up with ordinary potting mix or mount them onto a new tree. Frangipani is best propagated in winter to help the long stems seal over seal before planting. In the summer, there's a risk they may rot before establishing.

Re-potting:

The cast iron plant, Aspidistra, are tough as nails and are often found growing happily in the shadiest of spots. They’re permanently lush and green and can be dug up whole or broken into smaller clumps before re-potting. Ferns such as the native kangaroo fern, exotic rabbit foot fern and Boston fern can be repurposed in the same way but need some extra care. To transplant a fern, line an old hanging basket with a plastic bag with holes in it to conserve moisture during transit. You can disguise the bag with coconut fibre, then plant the fern in with potting mix. Keep it damp and in the shade so that it doesn’t drop any fronds, and eventually it will grow into a living sphere of foliage.

[kaylagraypa]

As we approach the cooler fall and winter months it is important to check your trees for the spotted lanternfly.

You may still find adult lanternfly on trees and you will also see their egg mass. Lanternfly eggs are usually found on the underside of tree branches, they can look wet if freshly laid or they can be dry and cracked resembling mud. When scraping egg masses off trees it's normal to hear a slight cracking or popping sound, you may also see a fluid excreted. It is best to scrape eggs into a bag filled with rubbing alcohol. If you see eggs and don't have a bag and rubbing alcohol handy that's ok, disturbing the eggs is better then leaving them intact to hatch.

Spotted lanternfly feed on plant sap and can cause considerable damage and stress to plants and trees. It is important to scrap the eggs off your trees in the fall and winter to prevent the lanternfly from hatching in the upcoming spring. Also check other wind protected areas as well such as sheds, picnic tables and logs outdoors.

Remove eggs safely and to not climb or use a ladder unsafely to remove egg masses. It is ok  you most likely cannot remove everything, just do what you can safely.

I believe We can help reduce the spotted lanternfly population giving trees and plants a greater chance at finding their own defenses and protective measures. We can help trees and plants against the spotted lanternfly so they do not become overly taxed by unchecked numbers of lanternfly, they can be better equipped to handle smaller stressors from the lanternfly if we do our part. 

Watch the whole video for more information 

[landscapedesignfirm]

How Arborists Use Plant Cultural Management to Combat Invasive Insects

Invasive insect species pose a significant threat to plants and trees in both residential and commercial landscapes. These pests can cause extensive damage to shrubs, trees, and other plants, leading to loss of plant health, aesthetic value, and even the death of trees. Certified arborists play a significant role in combating these invasive insects with plant cultural management techniques. These proactive methods not only prevent and control infestations, but also promote the overall health of plants and trees, making them more resilient against pest attacks.

What is Plant Cultural Management?

Plant cultural management refers to the practices and strategies used to maintain plant health by cultivating optimal growing conditions. This approach emphasizes prevention and promotes a healthy environment where plants can thrive. Healthy plants are naturally more resistant to diseases and pests, which reduces the need for chemical treatments or other invasive control measures.

Proper pruning, watering, soil care, fertilization, and mulching are the main components of plant cultural management. When these practices are combined, they create an environment that supports optimal plant health and reduces the likelihood of insect infestations.

Invasive Insects: A Growing Concern

Invasive insects are non-native species that can wreak havoc on ecosystems, disrupting natural processes, and damaging plants such as lanternflies and Emerald Ash Borers.

These insects have few or no natural predators in their new environments, allowing their populations to grow unchecked. Arborists must take action to prevent these pests from causing widespread damage to landscapes.

How Arborists Use Plant Cultural Management to Combat Invasive Insects

Promoting Plant Health

The first line of defense against invasive insects is to make sure that plants are healthy. Arborists focus on creating optimal growing conditions by implementing cultural management techniques such as:

Proper Watering: Over-watering or under-watering plants can stress them, making them more susceptible to insect infestations. Certified arborists ensure that trees and plants receive the right amount of water based on their species, soil type, and climate.

Fertilization: Proper nutrition helps plants grow stronger and more resilient to stress factors, including pests. Arborists use soil tests to determine nutrient deficiencies and apply the appropriate fertilizers to boost plant health.

Mulching: A layer of mulch around the base of trees helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and improve soil structure. It also reduces competition from weeds and protects the roots from insect damage.

Pruning: Regular pruning of dead or diseased branches prevents the spread of pests and diseases. It also improves air circulation within the tree canopy, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections that can attract insects.

Choosing the Right Plant Species

Arborists often recommend planting tree species naturally resistant to certain invasive insects. Arborists can reduce the likelihood of infestations by selecting less vulnerable plants to attack. Using native plant species can help create a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects and predators help control pest populations.

Proper Spacing and Planting

Overcrowded plants are more likely to become stressed and weakened, making them more susceptible to pests. Professional plant and tree care specialists use proper planting techniques, ensuring adequate space between trees and shrubs for healthy growth and air circulation. This practice also reduces the spread of insects from one plant to another.

Monitoring and Early Detection

One key aspect of plant cultural management is regular monitoring of plant health. Plant and tree professionals will routinely inspect trees and plants for early signs of invasive insect activity, such as unusual leaf damage, boreholes in bark, or the presence of larvae. Early detection allows arborists to take swift action, such as removing infected branches or treating affected plants before the infestation spreads.

Natural Pest Control

Arborists also encourage using natural predators and beneficial insects as part of an integrated pest management approach. By fostering a healthy environment, arborists create conditions where natural enemies of invasive insects, such as ladybugs or predatory wasps, can thrive. These beneficial insects help control pest populations without the need for chemical interventions.

Physical Barriers

Arborists may sometimes recommend using physical barriers, such as tree wraps or trunk banding, to protect trees from certain invasive insects. These barriers can prevent insects from reaching vulnerable areas of the plant and help reduce infestations.

The Role of Arborists in Long-Term Invasive Insect Control

While cultural management practices provide a strong defense against invasive insects, arborists also use other tools to maintain long-term control. In some cases, chemical treatments may be necessary to protect trees from severe infestations, but these are used as a last resort in conjunction with cultural management techniques.

Arborists also keep up with the latest research on invasive insects and management strategies. By staying informed about new pests and their newest control methods, arborists can adapt their management practices to address any emerging threats.

Invasive insects pose a significant risk to trees and plants, but arborists use various plant cultural management techniques to promote plant health and resilience. Certified arborists can effectively combat invasive species while minimizing the need for chemical treatments by focusing on prevention, monitoring, and natural controls. The result is a healthier, more sustainable landscape that can withstand the challenges of invasive pests.

[idroolinmysleep]

If you see something that you’re not used to seeing in your neighborhood … you should let somebody know.

“See something, say something,” insect edition.

[blueberry-sleight]

sometimes things are bad. but sometimes, you see somebody in front of you on the outside steps stomp down on something, then see an invasive species of bug fly down a step only for someone right in front of you stomp it again, and you stomp it once more for good measure. and things are good.

[shireland-farm]

We need the public’s help as we work to eradicate yellow-legged hornets from Georgia. If you think you’ve seen them in your area, report sightings to https://bit.ly/45rfyCa.

📷: UGA Extension

[aniseandspearmint]

YES I SEE THOSE THINGS CONSTANTLY

Brown Marmorates Stinkbugs are INCREDIBLY INVASIVE in the US and other counties.

If you can, please kill them if you see them in america. But DON'T squish them. As the 'stinkbug' part of their name implies, they stink if you rile them up or squash 'em.

I'd like to request a brown marmorated stink bug!

This blog is awesome, i love learning about the existance of so many different animals!

Thank you! I always enjoy seeing the cool animals people request :)

[reasonsforhope]

"The world’s largest hornet, an invasive breed dubbed the “murder hornet” for its dangerous sting and ability to slaughter a honey bee hive in a matter of hours, has been declared eradicated in the U.S., five years after being spotted for the first time in Washington state near the Canadian border.

The Washington and U.S. Departments of Agriculture announced the eradication Wednesday [December 18, 2024], saying there had been no detections of the northern giant hornet in Washington since 2021...

“I’ve gotta tell you, as an entomologist — I’ve been doing this for over 25 years now, and it is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects,” Sven Spichiger, pest program manager of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, told a virtual news conference.

The hornets, which can be 2 inches (5 cm) long and were formerly called Asian giant hornets, gained attention in 2013, when they killed 42 people in China and seriously injured 1,675. In the U.S., around 72 people a year die from bee and hornet stings each year, according to data from the National Institutes of Health.

The hornets were first detected in North America in British Columbia, Canada, in August 2019 and confirmed in Washington state in December 2019, when a Whatcom County resident reported a specimen. A beekeeper also reported hives being attacked and turned over specimens in the summer of 2020. The hornets could have traveled to North America in plant pots or shipping containers, experts said.

DNA evidence suggested the populations found in British Columbia and Washington were not related and appeared to originate from different countries. There also have been no confirmed reports in British Columbia since 2021, and the nonprofit Invasive Species Centre in Canada has said the hornet is also considered eradicated there.

Northern giant hornets pose significant threats to pollinators and native insects. They can wipe out a honey bee hive in as little as 90 minutes, decapitating the bees and then defending the hive as their own, taking the brood to feed their own young.

The hornet can sting through most beekeeper suits, deliver nearly seven times the amount of venom as a honey bee, and sting multiple times. At one point the Washington agriculture department ordered special reinforced suits from China.

Washington is the only state that has had confirmed reports of northern giant hornets. Trappers found four nests in 2020 and 2021.

Spichiger said Washington will remain on the lookout, despite reporting the eradication. He noted that entomologists will continue to monitor traps in Kitsap County, where a resident reported an unconfirmed sighting in October but where trapping efforts and public outreach have come up empty...

“We will continue to be vigilant,” Spichiger said."

-via AP News, December 18, 2024

[petrii-dish]

Go, my bug warriors 🦂🪰

Scor-frin and Mir-aphid! Siffrin is a namib thicktail scorpion (so niche but the pattern works well…) and Mirabelle is a woolly aphid!

I haven’t worked on my bug au in a bit so I’m dropping these two here before they get buried in the wip timeloop forever

[typhlonectes]

How Non-Native Plants Are Contributing to a Global Insect Decline

The impact of introduced plants on native biodiversity has emerged as a hot-button issue in ecology. But recent research provides new evidence that the displacement of native plant communities is a key cause of a collapse in insect populations and is affecting birds as well...