Plant Industry - Invasive Pest Outreach
It is estimated that less than 0.01% of introduced species become truly invasive. An invasive species is one that has been introduced to a new area and significantly disrupts the ecological system in that area – including farms and commercial forests. These species often exhibit some or all the following characteristics:
- Successfully find favorable habitats and either outcompete native species or fill a new ecological niche.
- Exploit native hosts that lack immunity to the invasive pest.
- Reproduce at a high rate.
- Thrive without natural enemies in the new environment.
- Spread quickly, often by hitchhiking on humans, animals, or vehicles.
Invasive species are a major threat to North Carolina’s natural ecosystems, agriculture, and economy. They can:
- Drive out local wildlife and plants, upsetting the balance of our ecosystems.
- Cause severe economic losses by damaging crops, forests, and other industries.
- Harm human health by spreading diseases or increasing allergen exposure.
Raising awareness is essential to slowing their spread. By educating the public and stakeholders, we empower communities to:
- Identify invasive pests early before they can establish themselves.
- Report sightings to help us take quick action to protect North Carolina (Report at: badbug@ncagr.gov).
- Take action to reduce unintentional spread, such as cleaning hiking boots, vehicles, and equipment.
Find out what invasive species we’re watching out for here!
We specialize in creating clear, informative outreach materials designed for diverse audiences. These materials include:
- Pest identification guides.
- Informative posters, flyers, and wallet-sized cards.
- Activity kits for kids aged 5+ to practice looking for invasive species
- Swag items to spread awareness at events.
- Infographics and fact sheets tailored to North Carolina’s unique ecosystems.
These resources are available for distribution to individuals, schools, businesses, and organizations.
Request Outreach Materials*
Are you ready to help spread awareness? Click the link below to order brochures, posters, and other materials for your community or organization.
*All packages are shipped via ground service. Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery
Prefer to print your own? Check out our Pest Alerts.
To schedule an outreach talk or booth at your event, please contact the CAPS Coordinator, Josie Pasche, at josie.pasche@ncagr.gov