What’s Hitchhiking Into the Southeast?
If you think invasive insects are somebody else’s problem, Clemson University researchers say think again. Tiny pests entering the Southeast are already impacting farms, forests, home gardens, and food prices, and scientists warn the pace is accelerating.
Researchers recently published studies focused on tracking invasive species and identifying emerging threats across the Southeast. Scientists say invasive species are entering the region faster than researchers can study them, and the consequences are being felt throughout agriculture and natural landscapes.
One study found 450 non-native arthropod species detected in Florida between 1990 and 2023, with nearly 300 never before recorded on the continent. Researchers say warm climate, imported products, and growing trade all contribute to the spread.
Scientists warn these pests can damage crops, kill trees, spread disease, and raise costs for growers and consumers alike. For more on the Clemson research, visit https://news.clemson.edu/research-shows-invasive-pests-outpacing-research-in-the-southeast/
