Kill These 9 Bugs IMMEDIATELY If You See Them in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a lot of crazy flying bugs and creepy crawlies, but there are a few invasive insects that scientists have implored people to kill immediately if spotted.
Not all of these invasive insects call Oklahoma home, but sometimes they're transported here accidently by people traveling in and out of the state. These invasive insects have the ability to destroy entire ecosystems if not dealt with. They will beat out native insects and destroy native plant life. Which is why if you see any of these bugs in Oklahoma, show no mercy. Take them out. Get rid of them.
Spotted Lanternfly
It may look cool with its polka-dots, but the Spotted Lanternfly is a threat to many fruit crops and trees. They're a native species to China and were detected in America in 2014. They can spread long distances in materials infested with the insect and its eggs.
Asian Tiger Mosquito
There's more than one type of mosquito, and the Asian Tiger mosquito is one you should definitely kill if you see it! These mosquitoes originated from Southeast Asia and came to the United States in the 1980s. The Asian Tiger mosquito spreads the West Nile virus, dengue and chikungunya.
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Spongy Moth
It may look cute, but the Spongy Moth can destroy shrubs and trees. Even though it's fluffy, you must kill it if you see it. The Spongy Moth is not native to the United States.
Southern Pine Beetle
Contrary to its name, the Southern Pine Beetle is not a native species in the southern parts of the United States. It is, however, a native species up in the northeastern parts of the country. So if you see them down here, you must kill them! They can destroy entire forests.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
You'd think stink bugs couldn't do more than, well, not smell pleasant, but the Brown Marmorated stink bug can destroy entire crops. So if you see this here in Oklahoma, kill it! Our farmers will thank you.
Rosy Wolfsnail (Cannibal Snail)
Although it's native to the southeastern states of America, this snail should be killed if seen in Oklahoma. Even though it's shell is pink and has a rosy name, this snail is actually a cannibal and will eat other snails.
Emerald Ash Borer
The Emerald Ash Borer has been spotted in Oklahoma, so you should definitely be on the lookout for this bug and kill it if you see it. Like its name, the Emerald Ash Borer will burrow into ash tress and destroy them.
Khapra Beetle
It may be tiny, but this beetle can do a lot of damage. The Khapra Beetle has been none to destroy stored grain. So if you see it in Oklahoma, kill it! Again, farmers will thank you.
German Yellowjackets
We're used to wasps here in Oklahoma, but German Yellowjackets are extremely aggressive and should be killed immediately. They've been known to push out native wasp species. So even though we're already not fans of wasps in Oklahoma, it's important we protect our native species, especially if the alternative is a more aggressive carnivore.