Since the beginning settlements of the Americas invasive species have been introduced to the New World. Hitching a ride with the first settlers to Jamestown and other colonies, insects and other animals invaded North America and has helped to reshape its landscape and ecosystems.
The problem with most invasive species is that they wipe out natural animal populations either by preying on them or depleting their food sources. Within the pest control industry there are specific invasive species that have become a big problem in the US.
Specifically to Southeast, the fireant, boll weevil, Southern pine beetle, soybean aphids, Asian tiger mosquito are a few invasive insects that has caused harm to residents and crops over the years. The National Invasive Species Council estimates that invasive species cause over 1.5 million dollars in damage every year.
Two new invasive species that we have seen in the past couple of years to become a problem in the Southeastern United States are the Asian kudzu bug and hairy, crazy ants.
Asian kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria)
Kudzu Bug by Phillip Roberts, Univ. of GA
Known as Bean Plataspid, Kudzu Bug, Globular Stink Bug or Lablab Bug, the Asian kudzu bug was orginally found in Northeast Georgia in 2009. Many of our own clients inquired about the new insect that was seen on the walls of their homes and cars. Orginally from East Asia they are known to eat another invasive species, the kudzu plant, which has been a problem in Georgia for many years. The Asian kudzu bug is a nuscience pest that poses no apparent harm to humans.
Soybeans, however, are a different story. The Asian kudzu bug has become a huge problem for soybean farmers in the Southeast and is already causing a loss in yeilds in the soybean crop. Farmers in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and parts of Alabama are starting to see huge numbers of the pest which has the potential to spread anywhere soybeans are planted. Check out this MSNBC article for more on the Asian kudzu bug and its effect on soybean crops.
Hairy, Crazy Ants (Nylanderia pubens or Fulva)
Image via Mississippi Entomological Museum
Known as Caribbean crazy ant or Rasberry crazy ant, the hairy, crazy ant is a native of South America (Most likely Argentina) but has also been found in the Carribbean islands. They've been found in Florida for many years and recently have been spotted in Texas, Mississippi and Lousiana coastal regions. Because of the Gulf Coast's semi-tropical climate the ants can live and flourish in these areas. There is still some debate if the species found recently in Texas and Missippi is the same that has been preveleant in Florida, but the information is still inconclusive. (See Joe MacGown's article for more info on this debate)
The hairy, crazy ant is reddish brown in color and like to hide in moist, protected areas and can even short out electrical equipment. These crazy ants can eat just about anything. Most scientist believe that they have been traveling in hay bales, cargo containers, potted plants, motorcycles and moving vans. Most scientist believe cooler temperatures in northern portions of the US will keep the ants from spreading from coastal areas.
Overall invasive species have been a problem in the United States for hundreds of years and will probably continue to be a problem for many years to come.
They even really travel from other places just to invade crops. What's worse, they reduce the ability of crops to produce photosyntate, which is important for bearing fruits. This is according to an entomologist who's researching on them.
Posted by: Findewaa Gustavo | 12/21/2011 at 01:46 PM