Harmful Insects Pose a Threat to Tennessee Agriculture
In partnership with: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
While the occasional insect in your home might be a frightening sight, it’s typically a harmless intruder. However, for Tennessee agriculture, there are several bad bugs that can cause serious damage for producers and consumers alike. Four insects that have been identified as dangerous threats are the emerald ash borer (EAB), imported fire ant (IFA), Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) and spotted lanternfly.
Native to eastern Asia, the EAB was first found in the U.S. in Michigan. It was spotted in Tennessee in 2010 and is now in 65 of the state’s 95 counties. This insect targets the ash tree. Larvae feed between the bark and sapwood, which disrupts the transportation of water and nutrients in the tree, eventually causing it to die.
“Emerald ash borers typically have dark, metallic emerald-green wing covers and bodies that are bronze, golden or reddish-green,” says Steve Powell, retired state entomologist. “Individual trees can be saved through pesticide application, but untreated ash trees will see widespread destruction.”
The IFA was introduced to the U.S. from South America in 1918. As of November 2022, 75 Tennessee counties were infested with the insect. Although they look similar to ordinary ants, IFAs cause much greater harm.
“They become aggressive if disturbed, causing a painful sting that produces a small pustule about eight to 24 hours after the sting,” Powell says.
Powell says the ants also attack domestic animals and wildlife, destroy seedling corn, soybeans, and other crops, and they can damage electrical equipment by chewing on wiring.
“IFA causes tens of millions of dollars in losses each year in Tennessee,” Powell says.
The ALB is a destructive wood-boring pest that feeds on maple and other hardwoods, eventually killing them. Although this insect hasn’t been found in Tennessee yet, the state’s hardwood forests are at risk. Adult beetles are typically between three-quarters of an inch to 1 ¼ inches long with a black body and mottled white spots.
Trees that have been infested by ALBs can have branch breakage or be blown over during moderate windstorms.
“If ALB takes hold across the country, the cost would be enormous as it has many different hosts,” Powell says. “The potential loss is greater than $2 trillion in the U.S. If you find a suspect ALB in Tennessee, please collect it and report immediately to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.”
Finally, the spotted lanternfly has many host plants, including fruit trees and grape vines. It hasn’t yet been found in Tennessee, but the bug is spreading rapidly. As the insect feeds on these plants, it releases a liquid leading to mold. This could cause losses and damage to orchards and vineyards, especially when they feed in large numbers.
“The spotted lanternfly is expected in Tennessee in the next few years,” Powell says.
He adds that for all the bugs mentioned, education is the best first line of defense
Squash the Spread
Everyone can be part of preventing the migration and spread of unwanted bugs. Here are some quick tips to be part of stopping the spread.
Know the zones before you go.
When traveling, do some research to find out if you’re traveling in an area with unwanted pests. If so, watch for pests in vehicles and bags that will travel back home with you.
Look before you leave.
Before hitting the road, thoroughly evaluate your body and vehicle for any unwanted pests, including the spotted lanternfly.
Which wood?
When camping and traveling, learn the best practices for collecting wood for fires. Most camping spots encourage using wood already in the nearby area while others suggest purchasing treated wood locally. Always research best practices before you go.
Sources: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension
For more information on these pests and more, visit tn.gov/agriculture.