April serves as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is urging the public to aid in reducing the threats posed by invasive pests and plants to Virginia’s agricultural and natural resources.
Invasive non-native plants and destructive insects pose significant risks to native species, crops, and forests throughout Virginia. These invaders often grow and spread quickly due to a lack of natural predators, out-competing native species. Once established, they can cause substantial harm to the environment, economy, and potentially human health.
The VDACS’ Office of Plant Industry Services (OPIS) is responsible for ensuring compliance with plant protection laws within the Commonwealth. It offers inspection, certification, survey, mitigation, and prevention services. OPIS actively monitors and combats a variety of invasive pests, plants, and plant diseases, including the Spotted Lanternfly, Spongy Moth, Imported Fire Ants, and Cogon Grass among others.
VDACS encourages public participation in preventing the introduction and spread of these infestations by following a few simple steps, although specifics are not detailed in this release. Additional information is available on the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services webpage or through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
