Invasive Species

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.

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Recent Publications

Box Tree Moth: An Invasive Pest on Ornamentals in Nurseries and Landscapes (C 1319) Box tree moth is an invasive pest of boxwood plants. It was introduced into New York in 2021 and has been reported in six other states. It has not been reported in Georgia yet. Boxwoods are an importa…
Juniper Scale: A Common Scale Insect in Nurseries and Landscapes (C 1317) The juniper scale is a sporadic pest of juniper, cypress, and cedar trees in nurseries and landscapes in Georgia. It is an armored scale, where the wax cover is not a part of its body but can actually…
The Spotted Lanternfly: A Potential Nuisance Pest on Trees in Ornamental Landscapes (C 1336) The spotted lanternfly is an invasive planthopper that can feed on a wide range of trees in the United States. The potential economic and environmental impact of spotted lanternflies is alarming, and …
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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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.

News

Yellow-Legged Hornet While not a major public health risk for people or pets, the invasive hornet represents a serious threat to Georgia agriculture. Published: 08/21/23
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. Published: 10/28/22
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. Published: 09/26/22

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