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News Brief

May 5, 2024St. Joseph, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MDA monitoring for pests and invasive species

bugs

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Summer is looming, and so are plant pests in Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Plant Industries team is ramping up efforts to monitor and control invasive species that could wreak havoc on the state's plant life.

Experts say plant pests can hitchhike to new locations through various means, posing a threat to Missouri's plant industry.

One such pest being monitored is the spongy moth, known to feed on over 300 tree and shrub species, with a particular fondness for oak trees.

With over 12 million acres of oak in Missouri, the potential impact on the state's forestry economy is significant.

To combat the spongy moth threat, MDA's Plant Pest team sets over 3,200 traps each summer, using pheromone lures to attract male moths. These traps are strategically placed across the state, from urban to rural areas.

Additionally, the department remains vigilant for the spotted lanternfly, another invasive species. If you suspect an invasive species sighting, contact MDA's Plant Pest Program.