Latest news with #invasiveSpecies
CTV News
2 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Japanese beetles causing problems in Maritime gardens
Gardeners are being warned of a species of invasive Japanese beetles that are rampant in the Maritimes. Another year calls for another generation of Japanese beetles and experts say the higher numbers in recent years could be due to the warm temperatures. 'Insects are cold blooded, the warmer it is, the faster they metabolize, the faster they grow, the more they reproduce,' says Andrew Hebda, Nova Scotia Museum retired curator of zoology These insects are easy to spot. They are around one centimeter in length, have a metallic green head and bronze-coloured wings. Some experts like Hebda say they are actually quite attractive, but that doesn't take away from how destructive they actually are. 'Japanese beetles actually start as grubs in your lawn so they have been investigating your lawn and creating lawn damage, and they will emerge and find plants they like to nibble on,' explains Emily Tregunno, with Halifax Seed. Emily Tregunno Emily Tregunno is seen at Halifax Seed. (CTV/Emma Convey) They tend to seek out healthy lawns and plants. 'If they find a garden that has a lot of delicate leaves, good leaves they will stay there until something better comes along,' adds Hebda. They won't be leaving anytime soon, experts say now is the peak season and they won't be leaving until fall. 'The more you are able to get them under control of them now at the adult stage which is what we are seeing now on the plants right now, that's the adult Japanese beetle. You want to control those now with traps, picking and squishing, however you can control them is great,' says Tregunno. Gardeners at a community garden in Dartmouth said last year was their worst year yet. Although they acknowledge the peak for this season is just starting and they could see a lot more. 'Last year we were picking beetles at the same rate we were picking beans. I'd have four volunteers picking beans and four volunteers picking beetles. It was a good bean harvest but a lot of beetles,' says Katherine Carey, North Grove Community Farm and Market coordinator. So far, they are picking between 30 to 100 of these beetles every day. Carey states every day she seems to find more and more. 'I'm out there usually twice a day when they get to their worst and I am picking them and putting them into a bucket of soapy water and removing that and any of the damaged leaves from where my garden is so that I am not attracting more,' says Carey. There are ways to get ahead of them, but it starts early in the spring when the beetles are just grubs. 'You also need to think about controlling them at the grub season as well, so early in the spring season and over that spring season while they are in your lawn, you want to control them then, and you also want to control them in the fall as a grub as well,' says Tregunno. Halifax Seed Halifax Seed is seen. (CTV/Emma Convey) This can be done through biological sprays, nematodes and digging them up as well. As for when they hit adulthood, there are plants that deter them but also traps that work as well. 'It's really, really critical that you put them in the right spot of your property, so they will attract beetles in, you will see an influx coming in, so you want to put these traps about 30 feet away,' says Tregunno. When it comes to those that eat them, not much does. Some birds, insects and raccoons, but their main predators according to retired curator of zoology, Andrew Hebda, do not exist here in North America. 'Bit by bit our fauna may adjust to that, but this may be a great new source of food for somebody. But at the moment though, we don't, and that's the problem with bringing some things from one place to another,' says Hebda. Experts remind those gardening this summer that the Japanese beetle's season here in North America is fairly short and as long as gardeners keep on top of picking them off their plants, their crops should have a good shot at surviving. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
Yahoo
3 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
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Michigan DNR taking steps to halt invasive red swamp crayfish at hatchery pond
Red swamp crayfish – a species that is native to the southern United States but prohibited in Michigan – was found in a state hatchery pond in Van Buren County, Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reported Thursday that the invasive species was found in a muskellunge rearing pond at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan. The source of this crayfish appearance is not yet known, but isolated cases have been documented in Michigan since 2017. It's been banned in Michigan since 2014. Red swamp crayfish, also known as Louisiana crayfish, are about 2 to 7 inches in length. They have an hourglass shape, along with claws that are typically red. The feed on snails, invertebrates, amphibians and aquatic plants. While they are native to the Mississippi River drainage area and Gulf Coast, their presence in Michigan is considered invasive as they push out and become destructive to local species. The Red swamp crayfish also will burrow into shorelines, contributing to erosion. Known and suspected ways the species has appeared in Michigan include the release or escape of aquarium pets, live bait that is dumped as leftovers, and live crayfish that were brought into the state for crawfish boil preparations. Another possibility is that because the hatchery pond is open and outdoors, the species could have migrated from another location. There is a known population about 15 miles away. The Van Buren County incident was discovered after hatchery staff unexpectedly noticed the carcasses of two crayfish in a Wolf Lake pond used to raise muskellunge, the DNR explained. The muskellunge had been just been stocked at Thornapple Lake in Barry County and Lake Hudson of Lenawee County. Upon seeing the carcasses, the hatchery staff set crayfish traps both in that pond and two adjacent ponds. They captured one live, positively identified, red swamp crayfish. DNR staff do not believe any of the red swamp crayfish went to Thornapple Lake or Lake Hudson, as the muskie selected for transfer were noticeably larger at 12 to 13 inches in length. But a monitoring plan has been developed for both sites. In the meantime, over 150 traps have been set at Wolf Lake Hatchery to determine the extent of the invasive species population. The DNR is also tracing shipments and quality control efforts, taking additional steps to screen the intake water. As it turns out, Wolf Lake's muskellunge ponds are scheduled to be out of service in 2025 because of a construction project. The young muskie collected thie year will be reared at Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Manistique. The DNR asks that Michigan residents and anglers who notice red swap crayfish in the wild are asked to collect and freeze a sample, or take photos with the location noted, and send their reports to Kathleen Quebedeaux, DNR Fisheries Division, QuebedeauxK@
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
The top 10 japanese knotweed hotspots in Wales have been revealed
The "top ten" locations in Wales affected by Japanese knotweed have been identified. As the growing season for Japanese knotweed is in full swing, this invasive species can cause damage to properties, patios, paving and decrease the value of land. Invasive plant expert Environet has now disclosed the Welsh areas most affected by knotweed in 2025, using the latest figures from its online heatmap tool, Exposed: The Japanese Knotweed Heatmap. In total, there are 31,338 confirmed sightings of knotweed across Wales, equating to 3.9 instances per square mile, which is significantly higher than England's rate of 1.1 instances per square mile. Now featuring more than 100,000 recorded instances of the UK's most pervasive plant, the map is updated with new confirmed sightings throughout the year, offering the most thorough online record of Japanese knotweed in the country. READ MORE: Man beat up, stripped naked and 'paraded' through village while people filmed act of humiliation READ MORE: Man suffers multiple stab wounds as police make public plea The public can input their postcode to find out the number of sightings in their vicinity, with high-risk areas marked in yellow, orange or, in severe cases, red. This helps them gauge the potential risk to their property or one they're considering purchasing. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here They can also contribute to the heatmap by reporting knotweed infestations using the 'Add Sighting' function and attaching a photo of the plant for expert verification. The data shows the worst places in Wales are Newport city, Cardiff city and Swansea city. Wales' Top 10 Japanese knotweed hotspots for 2025 are: Incidences 1. Newport city - 1,239 2. Cardiff city - 949 3. Swansea city - 936 4. Llanelli, Carmarthenshire - 693 5. Betws-y-Coed, Conwy - 421 6. Neath, Neath Port Talbot - 396 7. Dolwyddelan, Conwy - 298 8. Llanafan, Ceredigion - 289 9. Rogerstone, Newport - 268 10. Tanygrisiau, Gwynedd - 254 Japanese knotweed made its debut in Britain during the Victorian era, arriving in a collection of plant specimens sent to Kew Gardens and was swiftly embraced by gardeners and horticulturalists who remained oblivious to its destructive potential. The plant starts sprouting in early spring, rapidly developing into dense green bushes featuring pink-speckled stems, heart-shaped foliage and bamboo-style canes. However, it can create significant headaches for property owners. Its subterranean root system can extend up to three metres downwards and stretch up to seven metres sideways, pushing through gaps in concrete, tarmac drives, walkways, drainage systems and cavity walls. Whilst severe property damage remains uncommon, mortgage providers demand knotweed treatment before property sales, potentially triggering neighbourhood disputes and reducing property values by roughly five per cent, according to Environet. A 2023 DEFRA study estimated the expense of addressing knotweed costs the UK economy almost £250 million annually. Environet Director Emily Grant commented: "By mapping verified sightings, we're helping people understand the level of risk in their local area and encouraging early identification and treatment. "Vigilance is the best way to protect your property from Japanese knotweed, making sure you tackle it as early as possible before it becomes well established. At this time of year, knotweed is in full growth mode and easy to spot with its bright green heart-shaped leaves which grow in a zigzag pattern up the stems. "Mature plants flower around August, when they produce clusters of tiny white blooms." Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Daily Mail
20-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Do YOU live in a Japanese knotweed hotspot? Here's how to spot and get rid of it
Bristol is the Japanese knotweed 'capital of England', new data from Environet shows. In the year to date, there have been 1,440 reported sightings of Japanese knotweed in the South West city, according to the findings. Merseyside is another hotspot for Japanese knotweed, with 2,963 sightings reported, but spanning a less dense area, at 11.87 episodes per square mile compared to 33.91 in Bristol. Greater London is the third most prevalent Japanese knotweed hub, with 4,687 reported sightings and 7.74 incidents per square mile. Lancashire came out in fourth place, seeing a hefty 8,612 sightings spanning 7.25 episodes per square mile. Residents in Greater Manchester also need to be on high alert for Japanese knotweed, with the area seeing 3,558 Japanese knotweed reports, translating to 7.22 incidents per square mile. Spanning further afield, the Isle of Man, a self-governing British crown dependency, also reached the top 10, as did the Channel Islands, Isle of Wight, Derbyshire and Nottingham, followed closely by the West Midlands and Surrey. What is Japanese knotweed? According to the Royal Horticultural Society, Japanese knotweed is a persistent, clump-forming herbaceous perennial, which was introduced to Britain as an ornamental garden plant but has since become an invasive weed subject to legal control measures. Japanese knotweed first arrived in Britain in the Victorian times in a box of plant specimens delivered to Kew Gardens and was quickly adopted by gardeners and horticulturalists, who were unaware of its invasive nature. Since then it has spread widely, with an average of 1.1 occurrences in every square mile of England and 3.9 in Wales, according to Environet. Japanese knotweed can grow in most soil conditions found in Britain, particularly in man-made habitats, such as roadsides, waste ground, railway embankments and cuttings and spoil tips. It is also commonly found along rivers and streams. Why is Japanese knotweed common in locations like Bristol? Speaking to This is Money, Emily Grant, a director at Environet, said: 'It's likely that Japanese knotweed is most prolific near ports such as Bristol, Liverpool and Cardiff, because of historical shopping and trading practices.' She added: 'In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries ships would return from all over the world carrying ballast, which often included soil containing non-native plant material like knotweed. 'That was then dumped to make way for the next cargo, and it quickly took hold. It may also have been planted deliberately to stabilise railway embankments and slag heaps. 'In industrial areas like Manchester, Lancashire and the Midlands, extensive soil movement from mining and construction accelerated its spread.' How can I spot Japanese knotweed? Japanese knotweed begins to emerge in early spring, quickly growing into lush green shrubs with pink-flecked stems, heart-shaped leaves and bamboo-like canes. In August it starts flowering with bunches of tiny creamy-white blooms that hang in tassels. It can pose serious problems for homeowners, with underground rhizomes that can grow up to three metres deep and spread up to seven metres horizontally, emerging through cracks in concrete, tarmac driveways, pathways, drains and cavity walls. While serious damage to property is rare, mortgage lenders require knotweed to be dealt with when a property is sold, meaning it can cause legal disputes between neighbours and reduce a property's value. Environet estimates that the presence of Japanese knotweed at a property can reduce its value by 5 per cent, though this is variable and will depend on the scale of the problem. A 2023 Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs report put the cost of tackling knotweed to the economy at nearly £250million per year. What should I do if I suspect Japanese knotweed? The government's website states: 'You must stop Japanese knotweed on your land from spreading off your property. 'Soil or plant material contaminated with non-native and invasive plants like Japanese knotweed can cause ecological damage and may be classified as controlled waste. 'You do not legally have to remove Japanese knotweed from your land unless it's causing a nuisance, but you can be prosecuted for causing it to spread into the wild.' If you do notice knotweed, you do not need to report it, but if it is on your property you should act sooner rather than later. 'The more it grows, the more it will cost to remove', Grant told This is Money. You will not be able to sell your property until you have had any Japanese knotweed professionally dealt with, and you could be at risk of a legal claim from a neighbour if you leave it to spread. Grant added: 'From there a treatment plan can be put in place, whether it's herbicide, removal, or a combination of both. 'Whatever option you go for, be sure to get an insurance-backed guarantee so if it starts to regrow you know you're covered – and that's what mortgage lenders will expect when you come to sell your property.' Japanese knotweed must be carefully disposed of carefully. If you cannot dispose of it suitably on site, you must send it to a landfill site or incineration facility that has the correct type of permit. It is best not to try and tackle a Japanese knotweed invasion yourself, unless you have appropriate training, skills and equipment. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
