What are exotic pests and diseases?
Exotic pests are species of organisms that are alien to a particular region, including Invasive Species in Texas. That is, they are not indigenous or native to the area. They are introduced either accidentally or intentionally to a particular region and grow to be pest status. The significance of exotic pests depends on the species and the invaded area. The red imported fire ant is probably the most notorious exotic pest. Fire ants were accidentally introduced to the U.S. more than 75 years ago from South America to the shipping port of Mobile, Alabama. Read more about this history of fire ants.
Exotic pests and diseases of Texas turfgrass and ornamental plants
- Citrus psyllid
- Chilli thrips
- Citrus greening (disease)
- Rasberry crazy ant
- Cycad aulacaspis scale in landscapes
- Cycad aulacaspis scale in sago palms
- Granulate ambrosia beetle
- Imported fire ants
- Japanese beetle
- Mexican soapberry borer
- Pink hibiscus mealybug
- Pink hibiscus mealybug in Texas
- Rasberry crazy ant
- Cactus moth
- Red palm mite
Related Resources
- USDA-APHIS, Japanese Beetle
- USDA NAL, Pink Hibiscus Mealybug
- Florida Dept. of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
- National Invasive Species Information Center, USDA
- Sick Gardens, Plant Pathology Extension
- University of California at Davis, UC IPM Online
- What Are Invasive Pests?, APHIS
- Regional and National Pest Alerts
- Exotic Insects, Colorado State University