We’re bugging out over the most invasive bugs in the state of Georgia. Have you seen them?
Creepy crawly. Flying gnats. Big buzzing bugs.
We know them well in Georgia and most of them send shivers up and down our spines.
The US economy spends over $100 billion each year on the negative impacts of invasive species, from commercial, agricultural, aquacultural, and recreational area damage, according to the Georgia Invasive Species Task Force.
Currently, there are 13 invasive species of insects in the Peach State. Think you’ve seen them all?
Here’s more about the invasive insects, why you should care and what you can do.
What is an invasive species?
Here’s the skinny on what makes a species invasive, according to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health: “An invasive species is any species (including its seeds, eggs, spores, or other propagative material) that is not native to an ecosystem, and lives free from natural predators, parasites, or competitors. As a result, they can develop large populations very rapidly, and their introduction does or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment or human health.”
Invasive insects come from mostly the Southwestern US, Mexico or Central America and make their way to Georgia by “hitch-hiking” on shipping pallets holding food, firewood, plants or other materials.
What are the invasive insects of Georgia?
The Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health says there are 13 invasive insects in Georgia. Here are a few of the most common invasive bugs in Georgia:
Asian Tiger Mosquito
This bug is Georgia’s number one pest and it can carry more than 30 viruses.
Bermudagrass stem maggot
This invasive insect was found in Georgia in 2010 and is a concern for cattlemen and those that produce hay.
Kudzu Bug
This bug first came to Georgia in 2009 and has now spread to 13 southeastern states. They are mostly just a pest, seeking shelter inside during the colder months, but they can destroy legumes.
Tawny crazy ant
This ant is categorized as crazy because of its erratic movements, and although it doesn’t have a stinger, they do have a mean bite. The Tawny crazy ant is huge pest to basically everyone, including residents, businesses, companion animals and livestock
What you can do about them
Though some of the invasive species are just a nuisance, some of them can have a mean bite, spread viruses or even cause destructive damage to homes, crops or livestock. If you are a hunter or own livestock, these things can directly affect you.
These bugs can hide in firewood, on boats, ATVs and camping equipment and can hatch larvae or eggs just about anywhere.
So what can you do?
Clean your equipment frequently
Purchase firewood within the same area or county as where you live
Know your plants and find out which ones are causing problems
Check clothes and vehicles for hitch-hiking bugs
Be careful with aquatic plants
For more tips and information about invasive species in Georgia, please visit the Georgia Invasive Species website.
This story was originally published April 4, 2023 at 9:59 AM.
