It's up to each of us to help stop hungry pests.

Hungry pests are invasive species that threaten to harm our crops and trees. Left unchecked, they can devastate entire agricultural industries, eliminating jobs, threatening our food supplies and costing billions.

There are things that each of us can do to help stop the spread. It's up to each of us to be sure that we're not packing a pest when we move things outdoors, go camping, or travel internationally.

Please do your part and be aware of any regulations and potential risks in your area. And if you see a pest, report it. With your help, we can protect so much that we value.

Top Invasive Pest Threats

The Asian citrus psyllid threatens America's citrus. Don't risk citrus, don't move citrus.

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama or ACP) causes serious damage to citrus plants and citrus plant relatives. Burned tips and twisted leaves result from an infestation on new growth. Psyllids are also carriers of the bacterium that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, also known as citrus greening disease, spreading the disease to healthy citrus plants. Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure.

Where's the Threat?

Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What's at Risk?

• Chinese box-orange

• Curry leaf

• Finger-lime

• Grapefruit

• Key lime

• Kumquat

• Lemon

• Lime

• Limeberry

• Mandarin orange

• Mock orange

• Orange

• Orange jasmine

• Pomelo

• Sour orange

• Sweet orange

• Tangerine

• Trifoliate orange

Source of the Threat

The Asian citrus psyllid and the citrus greening bacterium spread on infected citrus plants and citrus plant material. Plants and material can spread the infection even if no psyllids are visible.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible psyllids or waxy psyllid dropping
• Lopsided, bitter, hard fruit with small, dark aborted seed
• Fruit that remains green even when ripe
• Asymmetrical blotchy mottling of leaves
• Yellow shoots
• Twig dieback
• Stunted, sparsely foliated trees that may bloom off season

What You Can Do

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

• Consult Federal and State websites for specific information and regulations. Contact the USDA Cooperative Extension Service in your area for further information.

• Citrus plants sold in a regulated state must be sold from a certified vendor and be accompanied by a USDA certificate.

• Commercial citrus businesses, internet shippers and roadside vendors within regulated states should be able to prove they are in compliance with the federal quarantine. Before you buy, ask the vendor if their product is in compliance.

• The movement of branches, cut greens, green waste, dead trees and other regulated items will be regulated and enforced by federal, state and county quarantine officials.

• Cut flower producers in quarantined areas are not affected unless they utilize Murraya, a host plant closely related to citrus, or flowers and branches cut from plants regulated for citrus greening and Asian citrus psyllid.

• Within quarantine areas consume home-grown citrus fruit at home and do not transport home-grown citrus or citrus plants out of the area.

The Asian longhorned beetle threatens our hardwoods. Learn to spot it and report it.

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis, or ALB) is a threat to America's hardwood trees. With no current cure, early identification and eradication are critical to its control. It currently infests areas in Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. It threatens recreation and forest resources valued at billions of dollars. The ALB has the potential to cause more damage than Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight and gypsy moths combined, destroying millions of acres of America's treasured hardwoods, including national forests and backyard trees.

Find more details at the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) Informational Website.

Where's the Threat?

• Massachusetts, New York, Ohio and South Carolina.

• Though not yet found in western states, all states are considered at risk.

• See Pest Tracker for details

What’s at Risk?

• Ash
• Birch
• Elm
• Horse chestnut/buckeye
• Golden raintree
• London planetree/sycamore
• Katsura
• Maples, including boxelder, red, silver and sugar maple
• Mimosa
• Mountain Ash
• Poplar
• Willow

Source of the Threat

• Firewood
• Solid wood packing material
• Wood debris and trimmings
• Branches
• Logs
• Stumps
• Lumber
• These materials can spread the infestation even if no beetles are visible

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible Asian longhorned beetles. Adult beetles have bullet-shaped bodies from 3/4 inch to 1-1/2 inches long, shiny black with white spots and long striped antennae, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 times the size of its body.
   
• Chewed round depressions in the bark of a tree
   
• Pencil-sized, perfectly round tree exit holes
   
• Excessive sawdust (frass) buildup near tree bases
   
• Unseasonable yellowed or drooping leaves

What You Can Do

• Don't move firewood. All life stages can survive hidden in firewood. Remember: buy local, burn local.
• Don't move regulated material, such as firewood, nursery stock, wood debris or lumber from host trees
• When planting trees in quarantine zones, plant only non-host trees
• Allow authorized workers access to property to inspect trees.
• Know and follow the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind
• Inspect your trees. If you see signs or symptoms of infestation, report it immediately by calling 1-866-702-9938 or report online.

Citrus greening threatens America's citrus. Don't risk citrus, don't move citrus.

Citrus Greening (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus) is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world. It is also known as Huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow dragon disease. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. While the disease poses no threat to humans or animals, it has devastated millions of acres of citrus crops throughout the United States and abroad. Citrus greening is spread by a disease-infected insect, the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama or ACP), and has put the future of America's citrus at risk. Infected trees produce fruits that are green, misshapen and bitter, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. Most infected trees die within a few years.

Where's the Threat?

• The disease is currently found in California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• The psyllids have been detected in Alabama, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What's at Risk?

• Chinese box-orange
• Curry leaf
• Finger-lime
• Grapefruit
• Key lime
• Kumquat
• Lemon
• Lime
• Limeberry
• Mandarin orange
• Mock orange
• Orange
• Orange jasmine
• Pomelo
• Sour orange
• Sweet orange
• Tangerine
• Trifoliate orange

Source of the Threat

The citrus greening bacterium and the Asian citrus psyllid spread on infected citrus plants and citrus plant material. Plants and material can spread the infection even if no psyllids are visible. Commercial citrus fruit, which is typically graded, washed, brushed and cleaned, is not known to spread the disease.

What You Can Do

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

• Consult Federal and State websites for specific information and regulations. Contact the USDA Cooperative Extension Service in your area for further information.

• Citrus plants sold in a regulated state must be sold from a certified vendor and be accompanied by a USDA certificate.

• Commercial citrus businesses, Internet shippers and roadside vendors within regulated states should be able to prove they are in compliance with the federal quarantine. Before you buy, ask the vendor if their product is in compliance.

• The movement of branches, cut greens, green waste, dead trees and other regulated items will be regulated and enforced by federal, state and county quarantine officials.

• Cut flower producers in quarantined areas are not affected unless they utilize Murraya, a host plant closely related to citrus, or flowers and branches cut from plants regulated for citrus greening and Asian citrus psyllid.

• Within quarantine areas consume home-grown citrus fruit at home and do not transport home-grown citrus or citrus plants out of the area.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible psyllids or waxy psyllid droppings
• Lopsided, bitter, hard fruit with small, dark aborted seeds
• Fruit that remains green even when ripe
• Asymmetrical blotchy mottling of leaves
• Yellow shoots
• Twig dieback
• Stunted, sparsely foliated trees that may bloom off season

Coconut rhinoceros beetles kill palms and other important plants. Learn to recognize the damage and report it.

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) was first detected in Hawaii in December 2013. This invasive pest is native to Southeast Asia. It attacks coconut palms by boring into the crowns or tops of the tree where it damages growing tissue and feeds on tree sap. The damage can significantly reduce coconut production and kill the tree. The beetle is also known to feed on economically important commercial crops such as bananas, sugarcane, papayas, sisal, pineapples, and date palms.

Where's the Threat?

Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa.

What’s at Risk?

• Many species of palm trees, including coconut, date, and oil palms
• Agave
• Sugarcane
• Banana
• Pineapple

Source of the Threat

• Movement of infested compost, mulch, and green waste
• Bringing infested plants into the United States in passenger baggage
• Beetles hitchhiking in international cargo

Signs and Symptoms

• V-shaped cuts in the crown of palms
• Large bore holes at the base of the palm fronds
• Visibly sick or dying palm trees

What You Can Do

• Look for bore holes and V-shaped cuts on palm fronds.
   
• Inspect mulch and compost piles for beetle larvae. Beetles lay eggs in dead, standing palms and decaying organic material, such as compost and sawdust piles, then larvae feed on rotting material until they emerge as adults.
   
• Allow authorized agricultural specialists access to your property to look for the beetle and possibly hang a trap.
   
• If you suspect you've found the coconut rhinoceros beetle in Hawaii, contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Pest Hotline. Call or text (808) 643-PEST (7378) or e-mail info@crbhawaii.org
   
• In other states, report sightings of this pest to your local State Plant Health Director.
   
• Declare all agricultural items when you return from international travel.
   
• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits or vegetables, or living plants unless agricultural inspectors have inspected and cleared them beforehand.

The emerald ash borer threatens America's ash trees. Promise you won't move firewood.

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis or EAB) is responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in 30 states. Native to Asia, it likely arrived in the United States hidden in wood packing materials. The first U.S. identification of Emerald Ash Borer was in southeastern Michigan in 2002. There are a variety of treatment options that can serve as a control measure for the EAB, but they are not a cure. Because pesticide regulations differ from State to State, homeowners should contact their State department of agriculture or local extension office for guidance.

Where's the Threat?

The beetle is currently found in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

See Pest Tracker for details

What's at Risk?

• All 16 species of ash trees
• White Fringetree

Source of the Threat

• Firewood
• Ash wood products
• Infested ash plantings and trees
• Ash wood packing material
• Ash wood debris and trimmings, including chips
• These materials can spread the infestation even if no beetles are visible.

Signs and Symptoms

• Yellow, thin or wilted foliage
• Unusual woodpecker presence and pecking holes
• D-shaped beetle exit holes
• Shoots growing from roots or a tree's trunk, often with larger-than-normal leaves

What You Can Do

• Don't move firewood. EAB larvae can survive hidden in the bark of firewood. Remember: buy local, burn local.
• Inspect your trees. If you see any sign or symptom of an EAB infestation, contact your State agriculture agency.
• Talk to friends, neighbors and co-workers about EAB and what they should be aware of on their trees.
• Ask questions. If you receive ash nursery stock or firewood, know its point of origin and your supplier, as larvae could be hiding under the bark.
• Know State and Federal regulations. Make sure you understand regulations that govern your state and those you may visit.
• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.
• If you think you've seen the emerald ash borer or ash tree damage caused by an infestation, report it immediately by calling 1-866-322-4512 or report online.

European cherry fruit fly is a threat to ripening cherry fruit.

The European cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi L.) is the most serious pest of cherries. Damage associated with this pest is caused by larval feeding in the fruit pulp, which can result in losses of up to 100% if left uncontrolled. This pest may be introduced to new areas through the transport of infested fresh cherries, soil, or fruit from host plants grown in areas where this pest is found. In 2016, Canada confirmed this pest on wild honeysuckle at several sites in Ontario. In 2017, the APHIS found European cherry fruit fly on traps hung in wild honeysuckle plants and sweet cherry trees along the Niagara River in New York. This was the first U.S. detection of European cherry fruit fly.

If European cherry fruit fly becomes established in the New York and spreads to other parts of the country, it could threaten commercial cherry production along the Pacific Coast (California, Oregon and Washington), and in the Northeast (Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania), and in several Western and Central States (Colorado, Michigan, New Mexico and Utah), and affect U.S. cherry production.

If you have questions, please call 1-800-249-2363 or email PPQ.ECFF@aphis.usda.gov.

What You Can Do

• If you travel to Canada, be advised that you may not bring cherries from Ontario into the United States
• Never remove fresh produce from your property if your area is under European cherry fruit fly quarantine.
• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed for this pest
• Please cooperate with agricultural workers who may be in your area surveying for the pest.  In areas where the pest has been found, agricultural workers may request approval from the property owner to apply treatment to prevent the spread.
• Allow authorized agricultural works to apply treatments, if required, to the host plants and the soil.
• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind
• Use the Pest Tracker to report any sightings of this pest, call 1-800-249-2363, or e-mail PPQ.ECFF@usda.gov.

Signs and Symptoms

• Larvae-infested fruit may have dark soft spots or appear wilted or shriveled
• As mature larvae emerge from the fruit, they may leave behind visible exit holes
• Visible adult flies are mostly black with yellow to orange heads, and a large yellow dot is visible on their back.

Source of the Threat

The presence of this pest in Canada was confirmed for the first time in June 2016 in an urban park located in Mississauga, Ontario. This is the first record of this fly in North America.

What's at Risk

• black cherries
• chokecherry
• common barberry
• common dogwood
• common snowberry
• coralberry
• holly barberry
• honeysuckle
• mahaleb cherries
• sweet cherries
• tart/sour cherries

Where Is the Threat?

• The European cherry fruit fly has been detected in Niagara and Erie Counties, and portions of Orleans County in New York; found in parts of Ontario, Canada​
• The cherry producing States are at risk for European cherry fruit fly, these include:  California, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington.
• See Pest Tracker for details

The European grapevine moth is a threat to America's grapes. Don't move fresh fruits, vegetables or plants.

The European Grapevine Moth (lobesia botrana or EGVM) is a significant agricultural pest throughout much of the world. It was first detected in the U.S. in California in September 2009 and fully eradicated in August 2016. The European Grapevine Moth is such a big threat because it can feed on the flower or fruit of host plants, most often grapes. If the moth attacks mature grape clusters, the berries can become further damaged through a potentially deadly infection of a fungus called botrytis, also known as bunch rot.

Where's the Threat?

The moth was eradicated from California in August 2016.

What’s at Risk?

All varieties of wine and table grapes.

Source of the Threat

• Grape clusters
• Vine clippings
• Nursery stock
• Grape production equipment

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible adult moths: creamy white forewings with pale-yellowish overlay and deeply bluish-gray coloring. Black, yellow and light olive-brown markings are spread across the wing. The hind wing is white with a dark gray sub-basal line. The hind wing of the female is completely dark gray.
• Visible larve: yellowish brown head and an abdomen varying from yellowish green to whitish brown or brown, approximately 9-10 mm long. Body can be completely translucent. Larvae have short and retracted antennae.
• Brown and rotting fruit
• Rolled leaves or clusters of inflorescences (glomerules) tied with silk

What You Can Do

• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables or plants into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.
• Never remove fresh produce from your property when your area is under European Grapevine Moth quarantine.
• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules.
• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to install and inspect insect-monitoring traps.
• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

The flighted spongy moth complex is a serious threat to our country’s landscapes and natural resources.

The flighted spongy moth complex (including Lymantria dispar asiatica, L. dispar japonica, L. albescens, L. umbrosa, and L. post-alba, also formerly known as the Asian gypsy moth) is a group of exotic pests of Asian origin not known to occur in the United States. If they would become established here, they could cause serious, widespread damage to our country’s landscape and natural resources. Flighted spongy moths are similar to the spongy moth known to occur in Europe and under quarantine in the northeastern United States, but have a much broader host range. Each female moth can lay hundreds of eggs that, in turn, yield hundreds of voracious caterpillars that may feed on more than 600 tree and shrub species. Large flighted spongy moth infestations can completely defoliate trees. This defoliation can severely weaken trees and shrubs, making them more susceptible to disease. Repeated defoliation can lead to the death of large sections of forests, orchards and landscaping.  Flighted spongy moth complex females—unlike the spongy moths that occur in Europe—are active fliers. Their ability to fly long distances makes it probable that this moth complex could quickly spread throughout the United States.

Where's the Threat?

Recently detected in Washington State and Oregon.

Ongoing surveys in those states will help determine whether infestations are present and what follow-up actions may be needed to address them.

What's at Risk?

A wide variety of North American tree and shrub species, including:

• Alder
• Larch
• Sweetgum
• Apple
• Poplar
• Oak
• Willow
• Linden
• Elm

Source of the Threat

Ships, cargo containers and some types of cargo coming to the United States from Asian countries where flighted spongy moths are known to exist.

Signs and Symptoms

• Egg masses on tree trunks, limbs and leaves, as well as on stones, walls, logs, lawn furniture and other outdoor objects. Egg masses are covered with buff or yellowish fuzz and average 1 ½ inches by ¾ inches wide, but can be as small as a dime.
• Caterpillars feeding on tree and shrub leaves. Newly hatched caterpillars are approximately 1/8 inch in length and tan in color. Mature caterpillars may range from 2 to 3 ½ inches in length and have two rows of blue and red spots on their backs. The mature caterpillar is most often a mottled dark gray color, but can vary from yellow to black.
• Adult moths are attracted to outdoor lighting and most active at dusk. Adult male moths have grayish-brown wings and a wingspan of 1 ½ inches. Adult female moths are white and larger, with wingspans of up to 3 ½ inches. Both males and females in the flighted spongy moth complex can fly.
• Defoliated trees

What You Can Do

• Report any findings of egg masses, caterpillars, adult moths, or defoliated trees to Federal or State agriculture officials.
• Cooperate with any restrictions in your local area that might be imposed because of an spongy moth detection.
• Allow authorized agricultural officials access to properties to inspect for any life stage of the moth, and place and inspect insect-monitoring traps.

The giant African snail threatens our plants, our homes and our health. Report giant African snails immediately.

The Giant African Snail (Lissachatina fulica or GAS) was first found in southern Florida in the 1960s, and it took 10 years and $1 million to eradicate it. It was reintroduced in 2011, and eradication efforts were completed in Broward and Miami Dade counties in Florida in 2021. State and Federal officials are responding to a new introduction of the invasive snails—this time in Pasco County, Florida. The giant African snails detected in New Port Richey, Florida are unrelated to the population of giant African snails eradicated from Broward and Miami Dade counties last year. This pest remains a threat in Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. GAS is one of the most damaging snails in the world because it consumes at least 500 types of plants and can cause structural damage to plaster and stucco structures. This snail can also carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis in humans. One of the most damaging snails in the world. GAS reproduces quickly, producing about 1,200 eggs in a single year.

Where's the Threat?

• The giant African snail is currently in Florida, Hawaii and parts the Caribbean.
• See Pest Tracker for details

What’s at Risk?

• The giant African snail feeds on more than 500 types of plants, including: peanuts, beans, peas, cucumbers and melons.

• If fruits and vegetables are not available, the snails will eat a wide variety of ornamental plants, tree bark and even paint and stucco on houses.

Source of the Threat

• Like other invasive pests and diseases, giant African snails could enter the United States as hitchhikers on imported cargo

• GAS have also been illegally imported by individuals for classroom exhibits, as pets or for food

Signs and Symptoms

• Reaching almost 8 inches (20 cm) in length and 5 inches (13 cm) in maximum diameter, this is one of the world's largest land snails—about the size of an average adult fist. When fully grown, its shell consists of seven to nine whorls, with a long and greatly swollen body whorl. The brownish shell with darker brown lengthwise stripes covers at least half the length of the snail.

• Each snail contains both female and male reproductive organs. After a single mating, each snail can produce 100 to 500 eggs. These snails can reproduce several more times without mating again. They can generate clutches of eggs every 2 to 3 months.

• Although this species thrives in tropical and subtropical areas, it can survive in cold conditions. In winter in the Northern United States, the snail would become slow and sluggish, almost hibernating until warmer weather returns.

What You Can Do

• Be cautious around these snails. They may carry organisms that can cause diseases in humans. These organisms can be transferred by ingesting improperly cooked snail meat or by handling live snails and allowing their mucus to contact human mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you handle snails or slugs, wear gloves and wash your hands. Always remember to thoroughly wash fresh produce. When traveling in areas where the parasite is common, avoid eating uncooked vegetables.

• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to survey for the snail.

• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed.

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

The Imported Fire Ant threatens America’s farms/crop plants.

Imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren, S. richteri Forel) will feed on the buds and fruits of numerous crop plants, especially corn, soybean, okra, and citrus. They can also girdle young trees. Large nests located in fields interfere with and damage equipment during cultivation and harvesting. Imported fire ants respond rapidly and aggressively to disturbances, and ant attacks inhibit field-worker activities. A single fire ant can sting its target repeatedly. Young and newborn animals are especially susceptible to the stings’ venom. These pests can damage the environment by displacing native ant species and reducing food sources for wildlife.

Where's the Threat?

Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Puerto Rico.

What’s at Risk?

• Corn
• Soybean
• Okra
• Citrus
• Humans
• Young and newborn animals
• Agricultural equipment

Source of the Threat

• Two species of imported fire ants were unintentionally introduced from South America into the port of Mobile, Alabama, almost 100 years ago. The black imported fire ant arrived around 1918 and the red fire ant in the late 1930s. Both species probably came in soil used as ballast in cargo ships.

• They commonly move to new, non-infested areas either by naturally colonies spreading or by hitchhiking on agricultural commodities, including baled hay.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible imported fire ants. Ants are 1/8” to 1/4” long and reddish-brown or black in color.

• Ants that respond rapidly and aggressively when disturbed.

• They clamp onto their victims with powerful jaws and sting repeatedly while injecting painful venom.

• The stings cause a burning sensation and itching blisters that can become infected. Although very uncommon, in severe cases, the stings can produce shock or cause death.

• Hard, mound-shaped nests that can get quite large, posing risks to field workers and farm equipment.

What You Can Do

• Know the restrictions on baled hay, soil, plants, soil-moving equipment, and other items moving out of Imported Fire Ant quarantine areas. Visit the USDA's fire ant page for this information.

• Report any sightings of this pest to your local Extension office.

The Khapra Beetle threatens our grains. Learn to spot it and report it.

The Khapra Beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is one of the world’s most destructive pests of stored grain products and seeds. Its feeding damage often spoils 30 percent of the product; up to 70 percent damage has been reported. Previous U.S. detections of this tiny beetle have required massive, long-term and costly control and eradication efforts. Established infestations are difficult to control because the beetle can survive without food for long periods, requires little moisture, hides in tiny cracks and crevices, and is relatively resistant to many insecticides and fumigants.

Where's the Threat?

• Because of their warm climates, the Khapra beetle has the most potential for establishment in Arizona, California, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.
   
• The Khapra beetle is a destructive pest of stored grain and other dried plant—as well as animal—products.
   
• It is able to survive almost anywhere in storage facilities that are protected from cold environments.
   
• This pest is known for its “dirty eating” behavior; by feeding only a little on each grain, one tiny beetle can damage a surprising amount of stored product.
   
• Prefers hot, dry areas.

What’s at Risk?

• Wheat
• Barley
• Oats
• Rye
• Maize
• Rice
• Flour
• Malt
• Noodles
• Stored agricultural products, including spices, grains and packaged foods

Source of the Threat

• The Khapra beetle is native to India and has become established in other countries in the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa.

• In 1953, an extensive infestation was found in California. Subsequent surveys revealed its presence in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. These infestations were eradicated in 1996. During 1980-1997, several other infestations were discovered and eradicated in isolated areas of California, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible Khapra beetle or larvae. The adult beetle is brown in color and small, between 2-3 millimeters long. (One millimeter is the thickness of a dime.) Adults possess wings, but aren’t known to fly.

• Small brown beetles, larvae or cast skins infesting grain, dried food and cereal products.

• Similar infestation signs on almost any dried animal matter, including dog food.

What You Can Do

• Find out if you’re traveling to a country where Khapra beetle is known to occur. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/travel to view a travel alert that lists these countries.
   
• Don’t bring rice, soybeans, Cicer species (e.g., chickpeas), and safflower seeds from these countries into the United States. Check the Web site above for any updates.
   
• Comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspections when traveling internationally. Rice from India and other countries where the Khapra beetle exists is prohibited from entering the United States and subject to penalties of up to $1,000 or more.
   
• Buy imported packaged food only from reputable dealers.
   
• Report any sightings of this pest in imported foods at HungryPests.com.
   
• Know and follow the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind

The Mediterranean fruit fly is a threat to many fruits and vegetables. Don't move non-inspected fruit and vegetables

The Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) is considered the most important agricultural pest in the world. The Medfly has spread throughout the Mediterranean region, southern Europe, the Middle East, Western Australia, South and Central America and Hawaii. The first of numerous U.S. mainland infestations occurred in Florida in 1929. It has been recorded infesting a wide range of commercial and garden fruits, nuts and vegetables, including apple, avocado, bell pepper, citrus, melon, peach, plum and tomato.

Where's the Threat?

• The Mediterranean fruit fly is currently found in Hawaii.
   
• California, Florida and Texas are at high risk for the Mediterranean fruit fly.

What’s at Risk?

The Medfly can infest hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables and nuts. The host list includes:

• Almond with husk
• Apple
• Apricot
• Avocado
• Bell pepper
• Cherry
• Citrus
• Coffee
• Eggplant
• Fig
• Grape
• Grapefruit
• Kiwi
• Lemon
• Lime
• Mango
• Nectarine
• Olive
• Papaya
• Peach
• Pear
• Persimmon
• Plum
• Pomegranate
• Tangerine
• Tomato
• Walnut

Signs and Symptoms

• Fallen fruit with early decay

• Visible adult flies: a blackish thorax marked with silver, a tan abdomen with darker stripes and clear wings with light brown bands and gray flecks

What You Can Do

• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.

• When returning from international travel, declare all agricultural products to U.S. customs officials. Learn more at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel.

• Never remove fresh produce from your property if your area is under MFF quarantine.

• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed.

• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to install and inspect insect-monitoring traps.

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.

Source of the Threat

Fresh produce, fruit and vegetables brought into the U.S. without inspection

The Mexican fruit fly is a threat to many of our fruits. Don't move non-inspected fruit and vegetables.

The Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens) is a serious pest to various fruits, particularly citrus and mango. Mexican fruit fly was first found in Central Mexico in 1863, and by the early 1950s flies were found along the California-Mexico border. The pest has since been detected in Arizona, California and Texas. A large number of commercially grown crops, including avocado, grapefruit, orange, peach and pear, would be threatened if the Mexican fruit fly became established.

Where's the Threat?

•  The Mexican fruit fly is currently found in parts of Texas and California.

What’s at Risk?

More than 50 host plants are at risk. The host list includes:

• Apricot
• Avocado
• Citrus, except sour lime
• Coffee
• Guava
• Most lemons
• Mango
• Nectarine
• Orange
• Passion fruit
• Peach
• Pear
• Persimmon
• Plum
• Pomegranate

Source of the Threat

Fresh produce, fruit and vegetables brought into the U.S. or across state borders without inspection.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible adult flies: larger than a house fly, the body is a pale orange-yellow with two to three whitish stripes along the thorax. The wings are clear with several yellow and brown stripes. The female is distinguished by a long and slender ovipositor, which is used to deposit eggs beneath the skin of the host fruit.

• Visible larvae within host fruit: legless, white to yellowish-white, and grows to a length of 0.4 (or 2/5) inches

What You Can Do

• If you have citrus trees in your yard, pick your fruit and use it, or double bag it and put it in the trash. Don’t leave fruit on the tree or on the ground.

• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.

• When returning from international travel, declare all agricultural products to U.S. customs officials. Learn more at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel.

• Never remove fresh produce from your property if your area is under Mexican fruit fly quarantine.

• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed.

• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to install and inspect insect-monitoring traps.

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind

The old world bollworm can cause damage to U.S. agriculture.

The Old World Bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) is known to attack more than 180 plant species and can cause damage to crops. Damage occurs when the larvae bore into the host’s flowers and fruit and feed within the plant; the larvae may also feed on the leaves of host plants. Old world bollworm was detected in Puerto Rico in 2014 and Florida in 2015.

Where's the Threat?

Detected in Puerto Rico, 2014

What’s at Risk?

More than 180 plant species, including:

• Corn
• Cotton
• Small grains
• Soybeans
• Peppers
• Tomatoes

Source of the Threat

• Moving or mailing infested fruits, vegetables, or plants
• Bringing infested fruits, vegetables, and plants into the United States in passenger baggage
• Moths or larvae hitchhiking in international cargo
• Moths carried long distances by wind

Signs and Symptoms

• Adult moths and larvae on the flowers, fruit, or leaves of host plants
• Holes bored into the base of flower buds, fruit, or bolls
• Other signs of damage to leaves and shoots
• Young fruit or bolls that fall prematurely

Larvae or damage within the plant’s fruit (may need to cut open the fruit to see this)

What You Can Do

• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants or soil into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.
• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to install and inspect insect-monitoring traps.

Contact your local Extension office or State Plant Regulatory Official  if you suspect old world bollworm.

The Oriental fruit fly is a threat to many fruits and vegetables. Don't move non-inspected fruit and vegetables.

The Oriental Fruit Fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) is a destructive agricultural pest in many parts of the world. It is a tropical species that is widespread through much of the mainland of Southern Asia, neighboring islands, and in Africa. Oriental fruit fly was first found in Hawaii in the mid-1940s. It was found on the U.S. mainland in Florida in 2002 and 2015. It is known to attack more than 400 fruits and vegetables, including apricots, cherries, citrus, figs, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes.

Where's the Threat?

• The Oriental fruit fly is known to occur in Hawaii.

What’s at Risk?

Oriental fruit flies attack more than 400 types of fruits and vegetables. The host list includes:

• Apple
• Apricot
• Avocado
• Banana
• Bell pepper
• Cactus
• Cashew
• Cherry
• Chili
• Cucumber
• Date palm
• Fig
• Grape
• Grapefruit
• Guava
• Lemon
• Lime (Persian, sour and sweet)
• Mandarin
• Mango
• Nectarine
• Orange
• Papaya
• Peach
• Pear
• Persimmon
• Plum
• Pomegranate
• Tangerine
• Tomato
• Walnut (California black and English)

Source of the Threat

• Fresh produce, fruit and vegetables brought into California without inspection.

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible adult flies: somewhat larger than a house fly, the body color is variable but generally bright yellow with a dark "T" shaped marking on the abdomen. The wings are clear. The female has a pointed slender ovipositor to deposit eggs under the skin of host fruit.
   
• Visible larvae within infested fruit: legless, white to yellowish-white, and grow to a length of 0.4 (or 2/5) inches inside the host fruit

What You Can Do

• Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them first.
• When returning from international travel, declare all agricultural products to U.S. customs officials.
  Learn more at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/.
• Never remove fresh produce from your property if your area is under Oriental fruit fly quarantine.
• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed.
• Allow authorized agricultural workers access to property to install and inspect insect-monitoring traps.
• Know and follow the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind

The spongy moth is a threat to our trees and shrubs. Learn to spot it and report it.

The Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar, also formerly called the European gypsy moth) is native to Europe and first arrived in the United States in Massachusetts in 1869. This moth is a significant pest because the caterpillars have voracious appetites for more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to North America's forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving trees vulnerable to diseases and other pests and can eventually kill the tree. Egg masses, which have a spongy or hair-like covering, survive through the winter months and can be moved inadvertently on household items and agricultural products. Early detection is critical to limiting the spongy moth's spread.

Where's the Threat?

Spongy moth is currently found in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

What’s at Risk?

The spongy moth prefers approximately 150 primary hosts but feeds on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. Some of those include:

• Aspen
• Birch
• Cedar
• Cottonwood
• Fruit trees
• Larch
• Oak   
• Poplar
• Willow

Source of the Threat

• Nursery stock
• Christmas trees
• Logs
• Pulpwood
• Wood chips
• Mobile homes and associated equipment
• Outdoor furniture
• Barbecue grills
• Firewood
• Dog houses
• Boats
• Recreational vehicles
• Trailers
• Garbage containers
• Bicycles
• Tires
• Tents
• Awnings
• Garden Tools
• Household items stored outside

Signs and Symptoms

• Visible egg masses: covered with buff or yellowish hair from the female and averages about 1-1/2 inches long and about 3/4 of an inch wide. Adult female moths lay egg masses on any type of surface, including trees and agricultural products, household furniture, and other items.
• Visible caterpillars: newly hatched caterpillars are black and hairy. Later stages of the larvae develop a mottled yellow to gray pattern with tufts of bristle-like hairs and a distinctive color pattern of five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots along their backs.
• Visible adult moths: male moths are brown with a darker brown pattern on their wings and have a 1-1/2-inch wingspan. Females are slightly larger, with a two-inch wingspan, and nearly white with dark saw-toothed patterns on their wings. Male spongy moth adults can fly but female spongy moth adults do not have flight capability.
• Defoliated trees.

What You Can Do

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind especially if you're moving. Learn more.
• Report findings of egg masses on trees, lawn furniture, fences, walls or elsewhere on private property to Federal or State agriculture officials.
• Cooperate with all restrictions that might be imposed locally because of a spongy moth detection.
• Allow authorized agricultural officials access to properties to inspect for any life stage of the moth, and place and inspect insect-monitoring traps.

The spotted lanternfly is a threat to many fruit crops and trees. Learn how to spot it and report it.

The Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is native to China and was first detected in Pennsylvania in September 2014. Spotted lanternfly feeds on a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees, with tree-of-heaven being one of the preferred hosts. Spotted lanternflies are invasive and can be spread long distances by people who move infested material or items containing egg masses. If allowed to spread in the United States, this pest could seriously impact the country’s grape, orchard, and logging industries.

Where's the Threat

Spotted lanternfly populations are currently found in 14 states including: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia.

What’s at Risk?

• Almonds
• Apples
• Apricots
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Hops
• Maple Trees
• Nectarines
• Oak Trees
• Peaches
• Pine Trees
• Plums
• Poplar Trees
• Sycamore Trees
• Walnut Trees
• Willow Trees

Source of the Threat

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) does not fly long distances, but it is a hitchhiker. Starting in the fall, SLF seek out outdoor surfaces and lay mud-like egg masses on tree bark, outdoor gear (such as lawnmowers, bikes, and grills), methods of transport, and more.

Spotted lanternfly egg masses are about an inch long and resemble a smear of mud. If found in an area known to have an SLF population, residents should crush them and scrape them off. Travelers passing through SLF quarantine areas should thoroughly check their vehicles, trailers, and even the clothes they are wearing to avoid accidently moving the spotted lanternfly from a quarantine area to somewhere new.

If you find this pest outside of a spotted lanternfly quarantine area, please take a picture of it and note the location to report it to your State Department of Agriculture before killing it.

Signs and Symptoms

• Plants that ooze or weep and have a fermented odor
• Buildup of sticky fluid (honeydew) on plants and on the ground underneath infested plants
• Sooty mold on infested plants

What You Can Do

• When preparing for the winter holidays, check outdoor items for spotted lanternfly egg masses, including those items you may bring indoors. Scrape any egg masses into a plastic zippered bag filled with hand sanitizer, then zip the bag shut and dispose of it properly.
   
• Inspect your trees and plants for signs of this pest, particularly at dusk and at night when the insects tend to gather in large groups on the trunks or stems of plants.
   
• Inspect trees (in particular, tree of heaven), bricks, stone, and other smooth surfaces for egg masses.

Sudden oak death threatens many of our trees. Learn to spot it and report it.

Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a tree disease that was first detected in the San Francisco Bay area in the mid-1990s and then in Curry County, Oregon and Santa Cruz County, California in 2001. Since the first detections, the disease has been found in an additional 15 counties in California. SOD has killed millions of tanoak, coast live oak, California black oak, and other native tree species. The disease is caused by Phytophthora ramorum, a water mold pathogen that causes several other plant diseases, including ramorum leaf blight, ramorum dieback, Phytophthora canker diseases, and sudden larch death. Phytophthora ramorum is considered especially dangerous because it affects a wide variety of plants, including rhododendron, camellia, and other common horticultural species. Because there is no known cure for SOD, preventing the movement of P. ramorum-infected plants is the best way to protect our forests and landscape plants.

Where's the Threat?

• SOD is currently found in California and Oregon.

What’s at Risk?

More than 75 plant species can either be infected by P. ramorum or facilitate its spread. The host list includes:

• Bay laurel
• Bigleaf maple
• California black oak
• California honeysuckle
• California maidenhair fern
• Camellia – all species, hybrids and cultivars
• Canyon live oak
• Coast live oak
• Coast redwood
• Douglas fir
• European ash
• European beech
• European yew
• Evergreen huckleberry
• Horse chestnut
• Lilac
• Madrone
• Manzanita
• Mountain laurel – all species, hybrids and cultivars
• Oak, multiple varieties
• Pepperwood
• Red tip photinia
• Rhododendron (including azalea) – all species, hybrids and cultivars
• Scotch heather
• Southern red oak
• Sweet chestnut
• Tanoak
• Toyon
• Viburnum – all species, hybrids and cultivars
• Western maidenhair fern
• Western starflower
• Witch hazel
• Wood rose

Source of the Threat

• Nursery stock
• Wind-blown rain
• Contaminated irrigation water
• Infected plants
• Contaminated soil or potting mix

Signs and Symptoms

• Bark cankers (calluses on woody portions of trees, often seeping black or reddish ooze)
• Leaf spots    
• Twig dieback

What You Can Do

• Know the quarantines in your area and learn to leave Hungry Pests behind.    
• Cooperate with all quarantine restrictions or rules that might be imposed.   

Explore the top ways that Hungry Pests get around. Learn what you can do to help stop them.

• Passenger Baggage
• Plants and Plant Parts
• Internet Sales
• Firewood
• Outdoor Gear
• RVs
• Moving
• Agricultural Materials
• Mail

Leave hungry pests behind.

Invasive species threaten our trees and crops. There are simple things that we all can do to help prevent the spread. It's up to each of us to be sure we're not packing a pest. With your help we can protect so much that we value.

Foreign agricultural items and food can carry pests and diseases.

Bringing fruits, vegetables, plants, plant products, animals, or animal products back from international travel could bring invasive pests along as well.

THE THREAT

Insects, snails and diseases.

Insects, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, and diseases can travel into the country on foreign products. Also, animal pests and diseases can be carried on live animals and animal products, including hunting trophies.

Even dirt on shoes and clothes after visiting foreign farms can move diseases (e.g., fungal diseases of grain crops).

What's at risk.

America's crops, forests, ecosystems, community landscapes, and backyard gardens.

Millions of dollars spent by farmers and government on necessary control and treatment activities.

Important export markets that could close to U.S. products from infested or infected areas.

Note: Passengers who fail to declare agricultural items may be subject to penalties of up to $1,000 or more per violation.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Speak Up.

Declare all agricultural items to customs officials when returning from international travel.

Visit USDA's international travel Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/travel for guidelines on what you can bring in—and phone numbers to call if you have questions.

Plants moved from other areas may be harmful.

Plants and plant parts moved from one area of the country to another (even just a short distance), or imported into this country, could spread invasive insects, diseases, and pests much farther than they could travel on their own.

THE THREAT

Insects, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, and diseases.

Insects, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, and diseases can travel into and across the country on plants and plant parts like budwood.

What's at risk.

America's crops, forests, ecosystems, community landscapes, and backyard gardens.

Millions of dollars spent by farmers and government on necessary control and treatment activities.

Foreign markets that could close to U.S. products from infested areas.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Plant Carefully.

Buy your plants from a reputable source and avoid using invasive plant species at all costs.

Don't bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants or any food or agricultural items into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them beforehand.

Online purchases can be risky.

Online purchases can be risky and illegal without proper inspections and paperwork. To protect yourself from potential fines and safeguard our nation’s farms and forests from invasive plant pests, follow the tips listed under “What You Can Do”.

THE THREAT

Invasive plant pests and diseases

Insects, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, noxious weeds, and plant diseases.

These dangerous hitchhikers can travel on agricultural products (such as seeds, plants, food, and handicrafts made from wood or plants) that are bought online and mailed or shipped into the United States from foreign countries.

What's at risk?

America's agriculture, food supply, forests, ecosystems, community landscapes, and backyard gardens.

Millions of dollars spent by farmers, government, and U.S. taxpayers on necessary control and treatment activities.

Foreign markets that could close to U.S. products from infested or infected areas.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

When ordering online, don’t assume items available from foreign retailers are legal to import into the United States. Those shippers may not be aware of U.S. regulations or care about your liability as the importer.

Before buying seeds, plants, or plant parts for planting from international vendors, visit the APHIS website or contact APHIS Permit Services (toll free at 877-770-5990 or by email at plantproducts.permits@usda.gov) to find out what you need to do to bring them into the United States legally and without pests.

At a minimum, all imported seeds, plants, plant parts for planting must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by the government of the country of origin. This certificate attests that the plant material is free of invasive plant pests and diseases. U.S. buyers should ask the seller to make sure this certificate is included in the package with the plant material.

Most imported plant material also requires an import permit issued by USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and may be subject to inspection by APHIS or U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of entry. To find out what paperwork you need, contact APHIS Permit Services at 877-770-5990 or by email at plantproducts.permits@usda.gov.

Not sure whether the item you’re purchasing is coming from outside the United States? You’re not alone. Country of origin labeling is often not included or hard to find in online sales listings. Before you buy, contact the seller to find out where they are located. You can also search the internet for information about the seller.

If you ever receive seeds, plants, or plant parts for planting that you didn’t order, save the items and the packaging they came in and report the incident to your USDA State Plant Health Director. Never plant seeds or plants from unknown origins.

Invasive pests can burrow into trees that then become firewood. When the firewood moves, the pests move with it—without the transporter knowing—to uninfested areas. Untreated firewood can also harbor other types of insects and diseases that can greatly harm trees and shrubs.

THE THREAT

Tree-killing insects and diseases.

Invasive, tree-killing beetles tunnel into trees and eat their insides. Leaf-munching caterpillars can strip trees of their leaves, leaving those trees vulnerable to other pests and diseases that could kill them.

What's at risk.

Your backyard and neighborhood trees and shrubs, America's forests, and jobs supported by the forestry industry—not to mention your ash baseball bat and breakfast maple syrup. Wildlife that depends on forest ecosystems could also suffer.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Buy Local, Burn Local.

Deny these hitchhikers a free ride in your firewood. Buy firewood where you burn it. If you must move firewood (even just a short distance), make sure it has been heat treated to kill any pests that might have been in or on it.

Boots, clothes and equipment can carry pests back home.

Invasive pests can hitchhike on boots, clothes, and camping equipment used outdoors. The pests can then be carried long distances from their origin.

THE THREAT

Invasive plant seeds, insects and their eggs, and diseases.

European gypsy moth egg masses, insects, snails, and slugs can hitch a ride with you when you return from the outdoors. Also, sudden oak death, microscopic worms, and harmful weed seeds can move in soil stuck on any item.

What's at risk.

America's crops, forests, ecosystems, community landscapes, and backyard gardens.

Millions of dollars spent by farmers and government on necessary control and treatment activities.

Foreign markets that could close to U.S. products from infested areas.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Keep It Clean.

Wash outdoor gear and tires until they're free of soil and any signs of pests before leaving fishing, hunting, or camping trips.

If you're moving, be sure to visit YourMoveGypsyMothFree.com to learn the legal requirements to move out of a European gypsy moth quarantine area—which is most of the northeast quarter of the United States—to a non-quarantine area.

Parked vehicles and campers make great insect egg-laying sites.

RVs and other vehicles that have been parked for the season can harbor pests or egg masses, which, if not removed before being moved, can begin infestations in new areas.

THE THREAT

Crop and tree-killing insects.

European gypsy moths can lay eggs on vehicles that sit for long periods of time. Those eggs can hitch a free ride to uninfested areas far, far away.

What's at risk.

Gypsy moth caterpillars defoliate, weaken, and can kill more than 300 different species of trees and shrubs.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Keep It Clean.

Check vehicles, especially wheel wells, for egg masses and other signs of insects and remove them. Wash off soil before leaving fishing, hunting, or camping trips.

If you're moving, be sure to visit YourMoveGypsyMothFree.com to learn the legal requirements to move out of a European gypsy moth quarantine area—which is most of the northeast quarter of the United States—to a non-quarantine area.

Protect your new neighborhood and surrounding natural areas before you move.

Simply inspect your outdoor household articles (lawn furniture, yard equipment, outdoor toys, and the like) for insects and insect egg masses and remove them. Without checking, you can unwittingly bring a damaging invasive pest with you and risk killing the trees and bushes that attracted you to your new community.

Invasive insects can lay their eggs on patio furniture, grills, toys, and other outdoor items. Insect larvae can hide in firewood or wooden pallets and crates, in the wood or underneath the bark. Adult insects can fly, crawl, or hop inside your open vehicle window, truck trailer, or container. Insect eggs, larvae, and adults can lurk in or on fruit, vegetables, and plants.

If you move any of these things, you could accidentally give a free ride to harmful pests! And when they arrive with you, they’ll find a new area to infest!

THE THREAT

Invasive pests can destroy trees and shrubs, infest orchards and vineyards, damage crops and gardens, and throw ecosystems out of balance. These destructive pests cost the nation $40 billion annually.

What’s at risk?

Gypsy moths caterpillars defoliate, weaken, and can kill more than 300 species of trees and shrubs.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on over 70 plants, including grapes, hops, and fruit and hardwood trees. It excretes sticky honeydew that attracts stinging insects, making them a nuisance to people.

The emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle bore into trees and kill them by eating them from the inside. They threaten forests across the nation.

Imported fire ants eat crops and have a fearsome sting. Their large nests can damage agricultural equipment.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Keep it clean and outsmart invasive species.

Learn how to move firewood, outdoor gear, plants and plant parts, and agricultural materials without accidentally spreading invasive pests.

Clean lawn furniture and other outdoor items whenever you transport them. Check for gypsy moth and spotted lanternfly egg masses and remove them before you leave.

Be sure to visit USDA’s “Your Move Gypsy Moth Free” website. It explains the legal requirements for people moving out of an area under quarantine for gypsy moth. The entire northeast quarter of the United States (and a little more) is under quarantine

Keep vehicle windows closed, and check truck beds and wheel wells for hitchhiking pests.

Agricultural materials and equipment may harbor pests and diseases.

Agricultural materials, equipment, and even hay moved from one part of the country to another or imported can spread harmful invasive pests and diseases much farther than they would travel on their own.

THE THREAT

Diseases and pests can travel on agricultural materials.

Insect hitchhikers like the imported fire ant and European gypsy moth egg masses, as well as snails and slugs. The Khapra beetle can move in soil and on equipment used to harvest infested fields, and it can move on seed-sorting equipment that has handled beetle-infested seed.

Also, sudden oak death, microscopic worms, and harmful weed seeds can move in soil stuck on any item.

What's at risk.

Diseases and pests can harm our nation's crops and trees. Some pests like the African snail can cause harm to human health, and the imported fire ant can harm human and animal health.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Don't Bring or Mail.

Don't bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables, plants or any food or agricultural items into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them beforehand.

Know the restrictions on baled hay, soil, plants, soil-moving equipment, and other items moving out of Imported Fire Ant quarantine areas. Visit the USDA's fire ant page for this information.

Consult with USDA on import requirements to move agricultural equipment into the U.S. Get answers from your local USDA office—find contact information by state.

Pests can hitchhike on plants and other agricultural items sent through both international and domestic mail and by express courier. Whether you’re sending a package or receiving one, there are simple steps you can take to help protect our nation’s farms and forests from invasive plant pests and diseases.

THE THREAT

Invasive plant pests and diseases.

Insects, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, noxious weeds, and plant diseases are dangerous hitchhikers. They can travel on agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, flowers, seeds, herbal medicines, and plant-based handicrafts, that are mailed within the United States and from foreign countries.

What's at risk.

Your plants and gardens, commercial food crops and grocery bill! Agricultural items mailed to you from overseas or domestic quarantined areas can hide hungry pests. Even if you throw the mailed item away, it could still lead to an outbreak of a new pest.

These pests attack America's agriculture, food supply, forests, ecosystems, community landscapes, and backyard gardens. Crop losses and treatments to eradicate invasive pests cost farmers, the government, and U.S, taxpayers billions of dollars every year. The outbreak of a new pest could impact the amount you pay for food.

A pest outbreak is bad for America’s export business too. Foreign markets could close to U.S. products from infested or infected areas.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Ask family and friends (here and overseas) to alert you before they mail food, plants or other agricultural items to you so you can check first with your nearest USDA office to make sure they’re safe to send. Also, check with your localUSDA office before mailing any items from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland.

Never mail or ship plants or other agricultural items from areas within the United States under federal or state quarantine for an invasive pest or you may spread them to new areas. Go to Pest Tracker to see which areas have quarantines.

Although you may have legally mailed an agricultural item in the past, regulations may change. Contact yourUSDA office to find out whether you can mail the item again.

f you ever receive seeds, plants, or plant parts for planting that you didn’t order or request, save the items and the packaging they came in and report the incident to your USDA State Plant Health Director. Never plant seeds or plants from unknown origins.

When ordering online, don’t assume items available from foreign retailers are legal to import into the United States. Those shippers may not be aware of U.S. regulations regarding restricted items or care about your liability as the importer.

When it comes to preventing the spread of invasive pests, every one of us can play a big role. By doing the right things we can all help stop this threat to so much that we value. Please do your part and learn what you can do to leave Hungry Pests behind.

These damaging pests can hitchhike from place to place on our cars and trucks, hidden in fruit, vegetables, plants, firewood or on familiar outdoor items. But we can all learn to be more careful when we're traveling or involved in outdoor activities. Working together, we can protect our crops and trees from harm.

The first step is to be aware of the pests that might be a threat in your area. Then be sure to cooperate with any regulations or quarantines that might be in effect. Finally, take care to be sure that you're never packing a pest. Let's all leave Hungry Pests behind.

Preventing the introduction and establishment of invasive species in a new area is everyone's responsibility. And there are important, simple things that we should all be aware of:

• Invasive pests can easily be transported on living plants or fresh products such as fruit.
• Many pests can be found in recently killed plant material including firewood, lumber, and wood packaging material. Avoiding the long-range movement of these materials to help slow the spread of pests.
• Buy only certified, pest-free nursery whenever possible. Buy your plants from a reputable source and avoid using invasive plant species at all costs.
• To report detections of Hungry Pests, contact your state plant health director.

Based on your outdoor activities, outdoor hobbies, or your occupation, there are many specific actions you can also take. See the examples below for more information.

International Travelers

Traveling internationally? Be sure you're not bringing home a pest.

It's easier than ever to travel the world. Unfortunately, the same is true for Hungry Pests. Bringing home an exotic fruit or plant may seem innocent, but without knowing it, you may also bring along a dangerous stowaway. Please do your part to help protect our crops and trees.

• Declare all food, live animals, and plant or animal products to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Custom and Border Protection officer or agriculture specialist at the first port of entry.
   
• Research the admissibility of plant and animal products before your trip. You can call USDA at (301) 851-2046 for questions about plants and plant products, and (301) 851-3300 for questions about animals and animal products.
   
• Please keep in mind that certain foods are restricted in order to protect community health, preserve the environment and prevent the introduction of devastating pests and diseases to domestic plants and animals.
   
• If you suspect agricultural smuggling, please call USDA's Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance Unit at (800) 877-3835.

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Getting outdoors is great, as long as we all leave Hungry Pests behind.

Hikers, bikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts share a special responsibility. When we get close to nature, it also means that nature can also get close to us. In fact, something unwanted may try to hitch a ride home. It's important to be careful and make sure we're helping take care of the outdoors we love.

• To avoid spreading seed of invasive plants, learn to recognize non-native plant infestations and avoid passing through them.

• Clean equipment, boots, animals and gear between trips, or preferably before leaving an infested area. Make sure to remove all seeds and other plant parts.

• Report any invasive pest sightings to the local land manager or local USDA office.

• Always use weed-free hay and feed for your animals.

• Don't move firewood. Buy or use firewood that is close to your campsite.

Hunters

Hunting can inspire a powerful sense of stewardship. Do your part to help prevent the spread of Hungry Pests.

• Use only native plants for food plots. Native plants provide much better food and cover for wildlife.

• Clean your boots, hunting gear, truck bed and tires after a hunting trip to make sure you are not spreading seeds, insects, or spores to a new location.

• Don't move firewood. Buy or use firewood that is close to your campsite.

• Learn to identify the invasive species in your area.

• Report any sightings to your county extension agent or local USDA office.

Gardeners

Gardeners know nature's balance. Be careful not to tilt the scales with a Hungry Pest.

A gardener's hand can direct the ebb of life and transform a landscape. And with that ability comes responsibility. Be sure that Hungry Pests aren't part of your design. Keep your eyes open and know the right things to do.

• Always declare any plant material brought in from travel abroad.

• Buy your plants and seeds from domestic nurseries or learn how to import them legally to prevent the spread of Hungry Pests.

• Remove invasive plants from your garden.

• Until you are able to rid your garden of invasive plants, be responsible and remember to remove and destroy seed heads before they can spread. Also, don't share invasives with other gardeners.

• Talk to other gardeners about invasives and how you plan to help in the fight against them.

• If you are worried that your garden will lose its luster after removing invasives, talk to your local native plant society or exotic pest plant council. These organizations will be able to suggest suitable native replacements.

• Report any suspected invasive species to your county extension agent or local USDA office.

• If you suspect agricultural smuggling, please call USDA's Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance unit at (800) 877-3835.

Bird Watchers

Bird watching is about observation. The same can be true for stopping Hungry Pests.

Bird watching is about patience, keen observation and careful identification. Those are skills that can also help stop the spread of Hungry Pests. Please do your part when outdoors.

• To avoid spreading seed of invasive plants, learn to recognize infestations and avoid passing through them.

• Clean equipment, boots and gear between trips or, preferably, before leaving an infested area. Make sure to remove all seeds and other plant parts.

• Report any invasive sightings to the local land manager or local USDA office.

• Change the water in bird baths often to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Ranchers and Farmers

Ranchers and farmers know exactly what's at risk. We can't let Hungry Pests win.

America's farm fields and pasture lands are the final battle line in the fight against Hungry Pests. The stakes are high and the responsibility to know the right things to do to help take care of all the great natural and agricultural resources that we have are enormous. Please do your part.

• Learn to identify the invasive species in your area.

• Report any sightings to your county extension agent or local USDA office. The sooner invasive species are detected, the easier and cheaper it is to control them.

• Clean your boots, gear, truck bed, tires and harvesting equipment after working a site to make sure you are not spreading seeds, insects or spores to a new location.

• Be sure to control invasive plants along fencerows, ditches and other areas adjacent to fields.

• Always use weed-free hay and feed for your animals.

Loggers and Foresters

Loggers and foresters know our trees are a priceless resource. Help stop the spread of Hungry Pests.

America's forests are a natural resource of profound beauty and value. And each species of tree stands as a special source of jobs, industry and production. Invasive pests, if left unchecked, can interrupt our unique relationship with the bounty of our forests. Please help to stop the spread.

• Learn to identify the invasive species in your area.

• Report any sightings to your county extension agent or local USDA office. The sooner invasive species are detected, the easier and cheaper it is to control them.

• Control invasive species before the start of harvesting activities (this includes raking for pine straw). Invasive plants spread quickly after a disturbance. Reducing populations before disturbing them is the best defense.

• Clean your boots, gear, truck bed, tires and harvesting equipment after working a site to make sure you are not spreading seeds, insects or spores to a new location

Commercial Producers

Commercial producers are the frontlines in the fight against Hungry Pests. Keep your eyes open and our country safe.

From nurseries to vineyards to honey production, our commercial agricultural and plant producers are closer than most to the comings and goings of the plant and insect world around us. And the responsibility is great to take care to always do the right thing to help stop Hungry Pests.

• Never bring nursery stock, budwood or bees into the country unless you have a permit from USDA and follow all permit requirements. Doing so could introduce devastating pests and diseases.
   
• If you suspect agricultural smuggling, please call USDA's Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance Unit at (800) 877-3835.