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Ag agency begins monitoring for over 130 pests and diseases, including Asian giant hornet and Japanese beetle.

Farm Press Staff

May 6, 2022

1 Min Read
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An Asian giant hornet specimen.WSDA

Trappers in Washington state are beginning their warm-season hunt for over 130 invasive pests and diseases, including the spongy moth, Asian giant hornet, apple maggot and Japanese beetle.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture has already set the first traps for Japanese beetle in the Grandview area where more than 24,000 beetles were trapped last year. Trappers will also place approximately 20,000 spongy moth traps statewide this summer.

Both pests attack over 300 different types of plants and could devastate agriculture and the environment if they become established, the WSDA explains in a release.

Related: Asian giant hornet guide to help beekeepers

The WSDA will begin trying to trap Asian giant hornets in Whatcom County in July, and the agency is encouraging citizen scientists to trap for these invasive pests in other counties. The agency has eradicated several AGH nests since the insect was first detected in the United States in 2019. The hornets can conduct mass attacks on honey bee hives, destroying the hive in a matter of hours.

Public reports have accounted for more than half of Washington’s confirmed hornet sightings, according to the WSDA. Suspect hornet sightings can be reported at agr.wa.gov/hornets, via email at [email protected], or by calling 1-800-443-6684. While all reports are encouraged, a photo or specimen is necessary for confirmation.

Source: Washington State Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset. 

 

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