Hungry pests are invasive species that harm our crops and trees. Left unchecked, they can devastate entire agricultural industries, eliminating jobs, threatening our food supply, and costing billions. Learn about the most threatening pests below and where to find them. If you see a pest, report it.

Top Invasive Pest Threats

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Threatens hardwood trees, urban and suburban shade trees, and forest resources valued at billions of dollars.

Balanced on an index finger the Asian longhorned beetle's face is dwarfed by its long black and white banded antenna. The distinct bluish color on the ALB's legs and feet—a sign of a newly emerged adult.
Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

Responsible for the destruction of tens of millions of ash trees in 30 States.

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle
Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle

Threatens species of palm trees, including coconut, date, oil palms, and a number of crops.

Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle
European Cherry Fruit Fly

Attacks ripening fruit, causing it to rot and fall off the tree. The most serious pest of cherries in Europe.

European Cherry Fruit Fly
European Grapevine Moth

Threatens America's wine and table grapes.

European Grapevine Moth
Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Attacks more than 500 tree and shrub species and could cause serious damage to our landscapes and natural resources.

Adult female (left) and male (right) flighted spongy moth complex
Giant African Snail

Threatens more than 500 types of plants, plus plaster and stucco. One of the most dangerous snails in the world.

Giant African Snail
Imported Fire Ants

Their large nests can damage agricultural equipment and threaten corn, soybean, okra, and citrus, among other crops. Watch out: They have a fearsome sting.

Imported fire ants vary widely in size.
Mediterranean Fruit Fly

Infests commercial and garden fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Considered one of the most damaging agricultural pests in the world.

Mediterranean Fruit Fly
Mexican Fruit Fly

Threatens more than 50 commercially grown crops, including avocado, grapefruit, orange, peach, pear, citrus, mango, and vegetables.

Mexican Fruit Fly
Old World Bollworm

Damages more than 180 plant species in the United States

Old World Bollworm
Oriental Fruit Fly

Attacks more than 230 fruits and vegetables, including apricots, cherries, citrus, figs, peaches, pears, plums, and tomatoes.

Oriental Fruit Fly
Spongy Moth

Attacks more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to North America's forests.
 

Adult Male Flighted Spongy Moth
Spotted Lanternfly

Threatens grapes, apples, stone fruit, and trees such as oak, walnut, and poplar.

Spotted Lanternfly
Sudden Oak Death

Attacks a wide variety of trees, including hardwoods, softwoods, and certain landscape ornamental plants.

Sudden Oak Death