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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning over dangerous insects spreading rapidly across US: 'They're gonna eat everything they can'
Experts issue warning over dangerous insects spreading rapidly across US: 'They're gonna eat everything they can' Warm weather is bringing some hungry beetles out of hiding. What's happening? Invasive Japanese beetles have an enormous appetite, and they're out of control in Kansas. The small, shimmering scarab beetles are native to Japan and considered highly invasive in the United States and Europe. Their eggs are laid in the soil, and larvae eat roots underground until temperatures rise. Once they emerge, the beetles voraciously consume leaves. While some invasive species fixate on one plant, this hungry beetle doesn't discriminate. They feed on "more than 300 different types of plants, such as Virginia creeper, linden, crabapple, roses, American elm, and willow, along with crops like corn and soybeans," according to KSNT. Why are the beetles concerning? Despite their small size, these beetles have a devastating impact on agriculture. Roots are destroyed by their larvae, and leaves and fruit are eaten by the mature beetles — the entire crop is lost. "When an insect is out for three months, they're gonna eat everything they can," Kansas State University professor Raymond Cloyd told KSNT. It's not just Kansas's crops at risk. Other states lose millions or billions in agricultural income. Invasive species are one of the main drivers of extinction, along with habitat loss. Invasive species outcompete native ones for resources, alter habitats, and even introduce new diseases. What's being done to stop the beetles? These beetles are extremely difficult to get rid of. Many traditional pheromone traps attract beetles, but they aren't as successful in capturing or killing them. A college student at the University of Minnesota developed their own Japanese beetle trap, and it looks promising. Without traps, residents use insecticides on their plants and soil to kill beetles and their grubs. For those who are hesitant to use pesticides on their plants, the beetles can be picked off by hand and dumped in warm, soapy water to kill them. Conservationists are constantly developing new ways to combat invasive species, from releasing wasps to fight fruit flies to eating invasive crawfish. Do you think your lawn has enough greenery in it? Definitely I'd like a little more I want a lot more Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kansas ash trees under attack from returning pest
MANHATTAN, Kan. (KSNW) — A pest that last made a major appearance in Kansas nearly a decade ago is back — and it's feasting on ash trees across the state. Kansas State University entomologist Raymond Cloyd said the brownheaded ash sawfly is once again active, and residents are starting to take notice. 'We've had a number of inquiries regarding these caterpillar-looking insects,' said Cloyd, a professor in K-State's Department of Entomology. 'And they're not caterpillars — they're sawflies. It's important to make the distinction because certain insecticides will work on caterpillars but not sawflies.' The insect's larvae — yellow-green with white and green stripes and a brown head — feed on the leaves of green ash trees, leaving behind shot holes before consuming entire leaves, often sparing only the veins. 'They feed with chewing mouthparts,' Cloyd said, 'and can compromise the aesthetic quality of the plant.' This year marks the first widespread return of the brownheaded ash sawfly since 2016. The insect is specific to green ash trees and typically only produces one generation per year in Kansas. Skull of one-ton ground sloth found in Kansas Cloyd noted that while the sawfly is not as destructive as the emerald ash borer, it can still leave trees severely defoliated. 'If they continue to feed, your tree won't have any leaves on it, and that's the issue,' he said. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to manage the problem. 'Heavy rainfall will wash them off,' Cloyd explained. 'You can use a high-pressure water spray to dislodge them, handpick them if feasible, or just let them go and know it will eventually stop.' If the insects have already moved to the base of the tree, Cloyd suggests collecting them in a bag for disposal. 'At this point, it's almost getting too late to apply some type of insecticide,' he said. 'It's either live with it, handpick, or remove the ones that have migrated to the base of the trees.' He also emphasized the importance of correct identification: 'Sawflies have prolegs—appendages on every section of the abdomen—while caterpillars typically don't. The feet of a caterpillar also have hairs or crochets, which sawflies lack.' In most cases, Cloyd recommends avoiding insecticides unless the damage is extensive. 'If populations are causing significant aesthetic damage, contact insecticides can be applied, but thorough coverage of the canopy, especially the leaf undersides, is important,' he said. For more details on identifying and managing the pest, K-State offers a free publication, Brownheaded Ash Sawfly. Residents can also reach out to their local Extension office with questions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
