New insect species make their way into the United States every
year by hitching rides in shipping crates and on automobiles,
clothing and shoes. They hide in produce, plants and firewood
while they are transported to uninfested areas. Upon arrival,
invasive insects quickly begin to attack their new habitats,
making themselves at home. Many different types of termites,
beetles, carpenter ants and bees bore into trees and make
themselves at home in wood structures, such as decks, play sets
and patio furniture. Numerous varieties of caterpillars, moths
and mites fashion meals out of plants, discoloring and deforming
leaves and sometimes stripping foliage away completely. “While
it’s difficult to prevent invasive insects from making their way
into your outdoor spaces, using an integrated pest management
approach (IPM) can stop them from doing harm to your family and
the environment,” says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE
(Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) - a national
organization representing manufactu