USDA has designated April 2025 as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.
This year’s campaign spotlights how citizen-driven, cost-efficient strategies can protect one of our nation’s most valuable assets: healthy, abundant crops, according to a news release.
Invasive pests are sneaky and can hitch a ride unseen on everyday items, from outdoor gear and vehicles to agricultural products bought online from overseas. Their rapid spread disrupts local ecosystems and threatens crop productivity and the economic strength of our farming communities, the release said.
“Agriculture is the cornerstone of our national prosperity, and every American plays a vital role in its protection,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “When we work together, whether by cleaning outdoor gear or staying informed about invasive threats, we are investing in the health and abundance of our crops and the future of our food system.”
USDA says this year’s campaign highlights four ways you can make a difference:
- Stay informed: Learn about local quarantines by visiting your state department of agriculture’s website. Learn about what you can do to help by visiting HungryPests.com and clicking on “What You Can Do.” You can help USDA lower food costs by complying with local and federal agricultural regulations.
- Inspect and clean: Before traveling, check your vehicle and any outdoor furniture or gear you might be traveling with for signs of invasive pests. Clean your car and outdoor patio furniture regularly to help reduce invasive pest populations and reduce their spread.
Source domestically and shop smart: Wood can spread tree-killing beetles. Avoid moving untreated firewood to new places. To be safe, use locally sourced wood or buy certified, heat-treated firewood. When purchasing agricultural products online, verify the product’s origin and follow import regulations to help protect U.S. plants and our food supply.
If you don’t know where an agricultural product is coming from, USDA said, don’t buy it online. U.S. regulations apply to the importer, meaning the person purchasing and importing the product, not the online merchant. Buy the item domestically or learn how to safely and legally import plants, seeds and other agricultural products before purchasing them online. Also, avoid mailing homegrown plants, fruits and vegetables, which can also spread invasive pests to new areas.
- Report and declare: If you notice unusual signs of pest activity — whether in your garden, on your outdoor gear or in your community — report them to your local Extension office, state department of agriculture or your USDA State Plant Health Director’s office. Visit your local state department of agriculture’s website to learn about quarantines in your area.
It’s also essential to declare all agricultural items, including seeds, soil and handicrafts to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials for inspection when returning from overseas travel. Declaring these items protects U.S. resources, and it’s required by law, the release said.
To learn more about invasive plant pests and diseases in your area and how to stop them, visit HungryPests.com.
