From herbicide resistant pigweed to Asiatic soybean rust, boll weevils to kudzu, invasive species are a prevalent and persistent problem in Georgia. Fighting these unwanted interlopers costs farmers, local governments, and the state millions each year. UGA Extension and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are working to combat this problem from all angles.
Our Programs and Services
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Georgia Green Landscape Steward Program A certification program for Georgia businesses and residences on implementing sustainable green practices in their landscape.
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On-Site and Telephone Consultation Available in many situations for home owners and consumers.
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Production Meetings Updates on local issues for growers and producers.
Recent Publications
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Insect and Arthropod Pests of Southeastern Neighborhoods (B 1412) This publication is a guide to 110 common pest insects found in and around the home, including prevention and treatment options.
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Managing Joro Spiders in the Landscape (C 1289) The publication gives basic biology and description, with images, of the spider's immature and adult forms, along with recommendations for managing them around the home. The Joro spider is a native of…
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Joro Spider: Trichonephila clavata (C 1273) The Joro spider is native to East Asia and was first detected in Georgia in 2014. It is found in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, and is spreading to adjacent regions. It has on…
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Biology and Management of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Ornamental Landscapes (C 1248) The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is a landscape and agricultural pest in the United States. It was introduced from Asia in the mid-1990s, and quickly spread to the entire Unit…
Websites
UGA-affiliated sites
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health Offers a primer on invasive species concerns, an extensive catalog of these species, publications, maps of species' ranges, instructional videos and text, suggestions for detection control, description of management area programs, and links.
CAES Hot Topics: Invasive Species Catalogs invasive species news stories.
UGA Department of Entomology Learn more about the entomology department at the UGA College of Agricultural of Environmental Sciences.
External sites
National Invasive Species Information Center Offers a catalog of invasive species viewable by geography or classification.
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Yellow-Legged Hornet While not a major public health risk for people or pets, the invasive hornet represents a serious threat to Georgia agriculture.
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Spider Drift UGA entomologists are tracking sightings of the spider on jorowatch.org, to help determine how they are moving throughout the state of Georgia.
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Joro Watch Initiative According to a team of University of Georgia experts collecting data about the spiders through the newly formed Joro Watch initiative, it’s best to put down the stick (for now) and pick up a camera.
