Exciting But Dreadful: New Invasive Forest Pest Arrives in South Carolina
The Asian longhorned beetle, a federally regulated invasive woodboring pest, was recently discovered in South Carolina—hundreds of miles from the nearest known infestation. Federal and state officials are working hard to try to eradicate this pest, and there are many research questions and opportunities associated with this infestation.
Hitchin’ a Ride: A Review of Firewood as a Vector of Forest Pests in North America
Human-mediated movement is a major way in which forest pests get from one place to another. Many pests that live in or on wood can be unknowingly moved in firewood. A new review in the Journal of Economic Entomology looks at what we know about forest pest movement in firewood, and what we can do about it.
Be On the Lookout: There’s a New Tick in Town
The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) was discovered in the U.S. in 2017, and it poses health threats to both animals and humans. A new guide in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management outlines the different management strategies that are being developed, and surveillance and prevention are key to reducing this non-native arthropod's impact.
Residential Pest Management: What Do Homeowners Know, and What Do They Do?
Massive quantities of pesticides are applied by homeowners on residential lawns and gardens each year. While some have an understanding of integrated pest management concepts and practice them on their property, many do not and indiscriminately apply pesticides. There is an opportunity for cooperative extension personnel to address this need by providing residential IPM and pesticide education programs.