Washington’s Most Damaging Invasive Insects and How to Spot Them
Over 70 invasive insect species have been detected in Washington since 1990, and 36% were first spotted by everyday residents like you.
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Delve into the fascinating world of insects — the most diverse group of animals on Earth, covering beetles, butterflies, ants, bees, and thousands of other six-legged creatures and their behaviors, habitats, and roles in ecosystems.
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Over 70 invasive insect species have been detected in Washington since 1990, and 36% were first spotted by everyday residents like you.
New York State faces mounting pressure from invasive insects that arrived without natural predators to control their populations.
Vigilant homeowners in Minnesota discovered two new invasive insect species in August through the state’s Report a Pest service, demonstrating how citizen detection serves as the critical first line of defense against ecological and economic damage.
Oregon’s diverse landscapes—from coastal wetlands to high desert plateaus—create ideal habitats for numerous biting fly species.
Montana’s summer brings breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures, but it also brings an unwelcome reality: biting flies.
Vermont’s warm summer months bring more than just beautiful weather and outdoor activities.
More than 70,000 acres of Massachusetts forests suffered defoliation in a single year from just one invasive insect species.
Kentucky’s diverse landscapes—from Appalachian forests to Bluegrass pastures—face mounting pressure from invasive insects that arrived from distant continents without natural predators to control their populations.
Texas agriculture officials issued an urgent alert in December 2024—a never-before-seen invasive pest has spread across more than 20 counties, threatening grazing lands and livestock operations.
Tennessee’s forests and landscapes face serious threats from non-native insects that arrived without natural predators to keep their populations in check.
Iowa’s warm summers bring more than just corn and soybeans—they also bring a variety of stinging insects that can turn outdoor activities into painful experiences.
Kentucky’s warm summers and diverse ecosystems create perfect conditions for stinging insects to thrive.
Oregon’s forests, gardens, and agricultural lands face mounting threats from invasive insects that arrived from distant continents.
New York is home to a surprising variety of stinging insects, and knowing the difference between a docile honey bee and an aggressive bald-faced hornet could prevent a painful—or even dangerous—encounter.
Delaware’s warm summers and diverse habitats create ideal conditions for numerous stinging insect species.
Las Vegas residents face more than slot machines and summer heat—stinging insects thrive in the desert climate year-round, and encounters with them send dozens of people to emergency rooms annually.
San Diego’s year-round sunshine and Mediterranean climate create paradise for residents—and for stinging insects that remain active nearly all twelve months.
Idaho’s warm summers bring more than just opportunities for outdoor recreation—they also bring stinging insects.
Stinging insects become particularly aggressive across South Dakota during August through October, sending residents to emergency rooms and disrupting outdoor activities from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills.
Montana’s stunning landscapes come with a hidden reality: stinging insects are active throughout the warmer months, and encounters with them can quickly turn painful.