Invasive plants and insects seem to be everywhere.  An example is Japanese Barberry. It is growing in our woodlands, fields as well as our gardens. Barberry has been shown to be favored by the Black-legged tick which frequently carries lime disease. This can be a threat to your pets and family. 

Another invasive insect may be on its way. The Spotted Lanternfly is now in Massachusetts. This pest will affect many host plants including grapes, apples, plums, cherries, peaches and others, even pines.

And how about Invasive Earth Worms. Yes, I said worms that you think are good for the soil but this worm from Asia actually threatens our perennial ecosystems, such as our forests. They consume the organic top (duff) layers of the soil very quickly and that reduces biodiversity and diminishes the habitat for other species. They are already here locally, we see them all the time and will have to learn to live with them. There is no approved “wormicide” registered yet. You can do your own research, google it.

The latest invasive problem is called ‘Beech Leaf Disease’ which is a serious threat to our native beech as well as European and oriental beeches. It has been found in NH. It’s actually a microscopic worm called a foliar nematode that attacks the leaf buds which in turn affects the leaves. Researchers predict the nematodes could kill an infected tree in about 4 years. Much more research is being done now to help us find answers.