Invasive Species Success

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In recent years you have likely read more, learned more and maybe even seen more invasive species. Whether it is plants, diseases or insects, these pests should be on the radar - especially in the green industry. 

 

I was recently reading a local paper and the headline "Border authorities find invasive beetles in a bag of seeds" of course caught my attention. The invasive species encounter was success thanks to the work of US Customs and Border Protection.

 

Late last week, US Customs and Border Protection announced in a release that agriculture specialists discovered Khapra beetles last November at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus, Michigan.

 

A woman traveling from Iraq to the Detroit area was found to be carrying seeds infested with the invasive beetle. The woman had planned to sow the seeds in her garden. The Khapra beetle is considered one of the world's most destructive pests for stored grains, cereals and seeds. 

 

Khapra beetles were also found in January at Washington Dulles International Airport in rice brought from Saudi Arabia and in February at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in cow peas from Nigeria.

 

This a reminder of the important work the US Customs and Border Protection is doing. It is also a reminder that we need to be aware of these situations and make sure we are always on the look out for potential invasive threats and continue to raise awareness and make sure people we know and interact with are aware of invasive species and quarantines in place to protect us from these accidental introductions. If you have not downloaded the Great Lakes Early Detection Network App, this should serve as a reminder of how you can help with the invasive species battle.