Pest Information for Illinois

Last Modified: July 30, 2025

Active Federal Quarantines

The following pests have Federal quarantines in certain areas of this State. Other Federal and State quarantines may apply. Learn about State-level quarantines.

Spongy Moth

Attacks: trees and shrubs

Dark-colored, hairy caterpillar with five pairs of blue dots followed by six pairs of red dots lining its back crawling on a partially eaten leaf.

Watch Out For These Pests

This state has some crop, forest, or urban area(s) where the following pests or diseases could survive year-round.

 
Asian Longhorned Beetle

Attacks: hardwood trees, national forests

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

Attacks: ash trees

Close up of an adult emerald ash borer on bark of a tree; beetle is bright, metallic green, measures about one-half inch long and has a flattened back.
European Cherry Fruit Fly

Attacks: Sweet and tart cherries, and other environmental host such as honeysuckle and dogwood

European cherry fruit fly adult on a ripening cherry.
Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

Attacks: North American tree and shrub species

White female moth with light brown lines on its wings next to brown male moth with dark brown lines on its wings.
Giant African Snail

Attacks: plants, fruits and vegetables

Large brown snail, approximately 8 inches in length, that has a dark brown shell with lighter brown vertical stripes sitting on a gloved hand.
Old World Bollworm

Attacks: more than 180 plant species

old world bollworm
Spotted Lanternfly

Attacks: fruit, ornamental and woody trees

Adult spotted lanternfly with wings spread caught in a spider web.
Sudden Oak Death

Attacks: trees

Green, curling rhododendron leaf with black-ish brown spots indicative of phytophthora ramorum infection

Report a Pest

Have you recently encountered the listed pests or any invasive species?

If so, contact the State Plant Health Director below:

Illinois State Plant Health Director

Greg Rentschler

Email: greg.j.rentschler@usda.gov

Phone: 847-699-2417

Fax: 847-699-2430

Mailing Address:

1001 E. Touhy Ave

Suite 187

Des Plaines, IL 60018

Office Manager:
Lloyd Collins: (847) 699-2422
Email: lloyd.collins@usda.gov

Associate Executive Director:
Clint Burfitt: (503) 307-3299
 

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