Emerald ash borer (EAB) is an Asian beetle that threatens the existence of ash trees throughout North America. These insect pests have killed millions of ash trees in urban areas, woodlots, and nurseries, spreading via infested nursery stock and firewood. Regulatory quarantines rely on public cooperation and can be difficult to enforce. They can slow the spread of EAB, but cannot stop it.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect species native to Asia. This insect’s eggs are laid in masses about 1” long and may look like patches of crusted mud. Hatched nymphs are black with white dots. Adults are about 1” long with gray forewings that have black spots. Hindwings are a vivid rose red color with black tips and a white band running down the center. They have black legs and heads and yellow and black abdomens.
Bagworms are destructive pests of shrubs and woody ornamentals that are native to North America. Their spindle-shaped protective bags made from silk, debris and foliage provide camouflage, so they go unnoticed until there is significant plant damage.
Fall armyworm caterpillars eat the leaves and stems of turfgrasses, but typically do not destroy the crown of the plant. Early feeding damage can resemble drought stressed turf, but can quickly progress to complete browning of the entire stand when caterpillars are present in large numbers.