This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

March 31, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

USDA reminding public to combat invasive pests

crops

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - In an effort to protect the nation's ecosystems and agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture is calling on the public to join the fight against invasive pests this spring.

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is urging people to be vigilant for signs of spotted lanternfly and spongy moth egg masses during the winter and early spring months.

These destructive insects can hitchhike on vehicles, trees, and outdoor surfaces, spreading to new areas undetected.

To combat the spread of these invasive pests, officials recommend smashing and scraping off any egg masses found, sealing them in a plastic bag, and disposing of them in the trash.

Pressure washing can also help remove egg masses from hard surfaces. Both the spotted lanternfly and spongy moth pose significant threats to hundreds of tree and plant species across the country.

While the spotted lanternfly has been detected in 17 states and the spongy moth in 20, it's crucial to prevent their spread to new areas.