Are non-native insects invading your home or property? If you live in South Carolina, there are several non-native invasive insects to watch for in SC. While invasive pests can be pesky and annoying, they also cause a lot of damage to the local ecosystem. So, if you’ve got non-native bugs around your home or property, it’s time to call in the pros. Here are the invasive insects to watch for:
Spotted Lanternfly
The first non-native insect on our list is the spotted lanternfly. The spotted lanternfly has a distinctive appearance, with black spots and bright red wings. It feeds on the sap of plants and trees, which can cause them to become diseased or die.
Asian Longhorn Beetle
The Asian longhorn beetle is another non-native invasive species that you should watch out for in SC. This beetle has a large shiny black body and white stripes running along its back. It lays its eggs on the bark of hardwood trees such as oaks and maples, which weakens them and makes them vulnerable to disease or death.
Japanese Beetle
Another non-native insect in SC is the Japanese beetle – an especially destructive pest that eats the leaves of fruit trees like apple and pear trees. It can also feed on ornamental plants and flowers, making it a major nuisance in the garden. The Japanese beetle has an oval-shaped body that is copper colored with white stripes running down its back.
Stink Bug
The stink bug is another non-native invasive pest to be aware of. It emits a strong odor when disturbed, which makes it difficult to get rid of. This pest has a broad, shield-like body and can vary in color from greenish-brown to black. It feeds on leaves, fruit and vegetables – making it particularly destructive for farmers and growers.
Spongy Moth
Finally, there’s the spongy moth – one of the most common non-native invasive moths found in South Carolina. This moth can vary in color from yellow to orange to brown and has a spongy texture on its wings. It feeds on a variety of plants, including corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice, which can damage crops if they become infested and cost farmers money on lost crops.
Keep an eye out for these non-native invasive insects and if you find them infesting your home or property, call The Pest Force. It takes all of us looking for these invasive species to make a difference in the destruction they cause.