USDA Names April “Invasive Plant Pest & Disease Awareness Month”

Each year, invasive insects and plant diseases cause an estimated $40 billion in damages to plants in the US. In an effort to gain awareness around the impact of invasive plant pests and diseases, the CDFA and the USDA joined together to name April "Invasive Plant Pest & Disease Awareness Month". ⁠

List of detected invasive plant pests:

• Asian citrus psyllid

• Huanglongbing disease

• Sudden oak death

• Oriental fruit fly

• Japanese beetle

• Asian gypsy moth

• Sweet orange scab

• Tomato brown rugose fruit virus

The USDA has identified 7 things that civilians can do in order to help stop the spread of invasive species:

1. Don't move untreated firewood: Instead, buy certified, heat-treated firewood or buy/gather wood where you burn it

2. Garden responsibly: Source your seeds and plants domestically or follow USDA guidelines/regulations when purchasing online

3. Avoiding moving or mailing: It is restricted to move or mail homegrown fruits, vegetables, plants, or soils between state lines unless authorized by the USDA

4. Support the USDA’s work: Comply/cooperate with the USDA’s agricultural staff to access your property for pest or disease surveys

5. Clean outdoor items: Be sure to wash vehicles and outdoor gear between hunting, fishing, or camping trips

6. Speak up: When returning from international travel, declare food and agricultural items to customs

7. Spot and Report: Look for signs of invasive species and report them to your local USDA offices