Invasive Archives - Animal of Things

Invasive Insects in Missouri: Watch for These 10 Destructive Species

Missouri forests face an invisible threat—spongy moths are advancing from neighboring states, and experts predict their arrival by 2030. These invasive insects in Missouri represent just one of many non-native species already reshaping the Show-Me State’s ecosystems. From oak-filled forests to backyard gardens and agricultural fields, destructive insects continue arriving through firewood, shipping containers, and […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 6, 2026

Features

10 Invasive Insects Found in Alabama That Damage Trees and Crops

Alabama’s 23 million acres of timberland—covering roughly three-quarters of the state—face relentless pressure from invasive insects that arrived through the Port of Mobile, global trade routes, and natural range expansions from neighboring states. Since 1911, when cogongrass entered Mobile as packing material, Alabama has become increasingly vulnerable to non-native species that attack healthy trees, devastate […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 3, 2026

Insects

8 Invasive Insects Attacking Kansas Gardens, Crops, and Trees

Kansas ash trees are dying at an alarming rate—not from disease or drought, but from tiny metallic-green beetles that arrived from Asia. Since 2012, these invaders have spread to 18 counties, and they’re just one of several non-native insects reshaping the state’s agricultural and natural landscapes. From backyard gardens to commercial farms and urban forests, […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 3, 2026

Insects

South Carolina’s Most Destructive Invasive Insects and How to Spot Them

South Carolina’s warm, humid climate makes it a paradise for residents and tourists—but also creates ideal conditions for invasive insects that threaten the state’s forests, agriculture, and urban landscapes. Since 2010, the Palmetto State has faced increasing pressure from non-native species arriving through international ports, tourism traffic, and climate-driven range expansions from neighboring states. Clemson […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 3, 2026

Insects

Invasive Insects in Colorado: 10 Species Threatening Your Trees and Gardens

Colorado’s dry climate and diverse forests create an ideal environment for certain invasive insects to establish devastating populations. Since 2002, these non-native species have killed millions of trees across the state and caused extensive agricultural damage. The Colorado Department of Agriculture’s CAPS program monitors these threats year-round, but homeowners and outdoor enthusiasts play a crucial […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 3, 2026

Insects

10 Invasive Insects in Hawaii: Threats to Agriculture and Ecosystems

A new invasive pest reaches Hawaii every 18 days on average. That sobering statistic from the U.S. Forest Service reveals the relentless pressure facing the islands’ unique ecosystems and agricultural economy. Hawaii’s geographic isolation—which once protected these islands and fostered extraordinary biodiversity—now makes them exceptionally vulnerable to invasive species that arrive hidden in cargo, luggage, […]

by Kingsley Felix•February 2, 2026

Insects

8 Invasive Insects You Can Find in Maine Right Now

Maine’s forests face an unprecedented threat. Over the past two decades, invasive insects have spread across the state, killing thousands of ash trees, weakening hemlocks along the coast, and threatening the economic and ecological foundation of the Pine Tree State. You might already have these destructive pests in your yard without knowing it. This guide […]

by Kingsley Felix•January 30, 2026

Insects

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. Your backyard trees, garden vegetables, and neighborhood landscapes face constant threats from non-native insects that can devastate local ecosystems, agricultural industries, and property values. The Washington State Department of Agriculture monitors more than […]

by Kingsley Felix•January 29, 2026

Insects

Invasive Insects in New York: What Residents Should Know About 10 Harmful Species

New York State faces mounting pressure from invasive insects that arrived without natural predators to control their populations. These non-native species have cost the state billions of dollars in damage to forests, agricultural crops, and urban landscapes since their introduction. From the emerald ash borer devastating ash tree populations across the state to the spotted […]

by Kingsley Felix•January 29, 2026

Insects

Report These 10 Invasive Insects Before They Damage Minnesota

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. The emerald ash borer has now spread to 44 Minnesota counties, Japanese beetles cost $460 million annually to control […]

by Kingsley Felix•January 29, 2026