As the weather turns warmer and the sun shines brighter, the trees, flowers and plants all over Ohio begin to bloom. Spring is a beautiful time of year in our state and it’s a time to appreciate what’s around us, and understand our role in protecting it. April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.

You have likely heard that invasive plant pests and diseases are primarily introduced through commercial trade. That’s true, but once they are here, these destructive plant pests don’t move far on their own; they are mostly spread by us. Through our everyday actions – taking firewood from home to our campsite, mailing a gift of homegrown fruits or plants, or ordering plants, seeds or fruit online – we can contribute to the unintentional spread of any number of destructive plant pests. So when people wonder if their individual actions really matter, the answer is yes.

Damaging pests like the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) and gypsy moth (GM) threaten Clermont County and the entire state of Ohio. ALB can hide in firewood, while GM can hide on firewood and outdoor household articles. Fortunately, we are containing these pests in our state, but we need your help to keep it that way. That’s why it’s important for everyone to learn more about these destructive plant pests and help us stop the spread of invasive species.

The decision to move something without considering invasive pests can have damaging consequences. For instance, we know the emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle didn’t fly to Ohio on its own, it hitchhiked here. And now all of our urban, suburban and rural ash trees are at risk of attack by this devastating pest. The risks from EAB stretch well beyond our borders as EAB infestations are currently found in 30 states.

Invasive plant pests and diseases are a real threat and damage from invasive plant pests costs our nation about $40 billion each year. If we allow them to enter and become established, these pests could impact our neighborhoods and public green spaces, and cause damage to native species of plants, forests, watersheds, lakes, rivers and water delivery systems.

To protect our state, we ask all Ohioans to join us in the battle against invasive plant pests and diseases. Visit www.hungrypests.com to learn more about what you can do. This month especially, we urge you to help stop the spread of these harmful pests and keep our state beautiful.

Sincerely,

Dan Kenny,
Assistant Chief, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Health

John Burch, State Plant Health Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine