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Forest managers frequently make decisions regarding the use of pesticides on forest lands. These decisions must be based not only on the effectiveness of these tools, but also on an understanding of the risks associated with their use. For the pesticides commonly used by the Forest Service in its management activities, Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments (HERAs) are prepared.

PestLens is APHIS-PPQ's phytosanitary early-warning system that collects and distributes new information on exotic plant pests and provides a web-based platform for documenting safeguarding decisions and resulting actions. A weekly e-mail notification is sent to PestLens subscribers.
Note: While PestLens was developed for PPQ, its audience now extends beyond PPQ to a wide range of international plant protection officials.

This site is a resource for pests in and around the home intended to answer homeowner pest control questions, help you prevent and/or manage common pests, recognize human behaviors that cause pest problems, and to know when to call a professional. The content on this website is provided by a virtual community of Extension professionals from across the country. The goal of Extension programs across the U.S. is to provide evidence-based information and recommendations.
See related resource: How to Submit an Insect Sample for Identification

With over one million named species of insects in the world, sometimes you need an expert identification on an insect that is bugging you. Accurate insect identification is crucial to protecting your home from pests of all kinds. Many species of ants, termites, and roaches can look very similar, but their treatment methods may be drastically different. Many pests may be unfamiliar to homeowners, and an accurate identification will allow for minimal and targeted pesticide treatments.

IPM is not a single pest control method but, rather, a series of pest management evaluations, decisions, and controls.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has issued a strong advisory to encourage anglers who catch invasive Northern Snakeheads in the lower Susquehanna River, and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, to report and dispose of any fish caught. This advisory follows multiple Northern Snakehead captures in Conowingo Reservoir by anglers and natural resource agency biologists this summer, including the first evidence of Northern Snakehead reproduction in the reservoir.

Learn how to identify invasive Phragmites, how it differs from the native form, and information about its distribution and biological traits which contribute to its spread.

See also: Plants: Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and House Plants Fact Sheets for more resources

See also: Ecological Risk Screening Summaries for more species summaries

The Plant Diagnostic Clinic is designed to provide plant diagnostic services for the state of New Mexico. The clinic also facilitates insect and weed identification through referrals to other specialists.

Find contact information for USDA staff working with plant pests and diseases, domestic and emergency programs, moving plants across State lines, including:

• State Plant Health Directors - report a pest or disease, ask about domestic or emergency programs in my State, or move plants or plant products interstate
• National Identification Services - get information about pest and disease identifications, quarantine pests, or pest action policies for ports of entry
• Select Agents - ask about biological select agents and toxins that could threaten plant health
• Plant Protection Act Section 7721 - ask about Plant Protection Act Section 7721 projects, funding opportunities, and how to apply

The Spotted Lanternfly is detrimental to Delaware’s agricultural industries, the environment, and residential areas, and has an impact on interstate commerce.  In 2017, Delaware was the second state, other than Pennsylvania, to have found the insect. In Delaware, it was first detected in New Castle County, with recent findings in Kent County (October 2020).

Residents who live near Dover Air Force Base or in Sussex County are encouraged to report sightings of spotted lanternfly. Citizen reports help DDA inspectors determine how these insects move and which transportation pathways they utilize. These reports also allow DDA to notify agricultural operations with plants vulnerable to this insect.

Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide is a portable resource for both novice and expert. This practical book is intended for people interested in maintaining or restoring natural areas - from parks and preserves to residential landscapes. Use this book as an introduction to invasive plants to help you recognize, report, prevent, control and teach others about them. Managing invasive plants is crucial if we want our native plants and animals to thrive. Plant Invaders provides information on 92 aquatic and terrestrial invasive species threatening our region, guidance on control methods, discussion of the effects of climate change on invasive plants, explanations and maps of ecoregions and physiographic provinces, and suggestions for native plant alternatives.

Citation: Swearingen, J.M. and J.P. Fulton. 2022. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, Field Guide. Passiflora Press. 200 pp.