Relocating to the Twin Cities? Invasive Pest Information to Know

Every area of the country offers something different to the people who choose to make their home within their boundaries. This is especially true for the seven-county area in Minnesota that includes the Twin Cities.

But along with exciting economic opportunities and natural beauty, newcomers must also accept that, like every other state, a few invasive pests live here.

If you are relocating to this area, this handy guide will give you some important factual information about some of the most common invasive pests you may encounter.

Japanese Beetle

One invasive pest species that is all too common throughout the St. Paul–Minneapolis area is the Japanese beetle. Non-native to the United States, this insect was first found in New Jersey more than a century ago, in 1916 and was not known to exist in Minnesota until 1968.

Over the past two decades their populations have surged, with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture trapping more than a million of these pests in just one year during that time frame.

Japanese beetles are small insects, usually just one-third to one-half inch in length, with a shimmering green and brown coloring. Adult Japanese beetles primarily consume the leaves of a wide variety of plants, leaving them riddled with holes. In addition to leaves, they also feast on blooms and developing fruit, berries, grains, and vegetables.

The light-colored, c-shaped larvae of the Japanese beetle is also capable of widespread destruction to lawns. Residents who have a heavy larvae population in the soil around their homes may first notice patches of dead grass caused by die off as the insect's grubs consume the plant's roots.

Japanese beetles also have the potential to cause collateral damage for Minnesotans. Many species of birds and other pests, including crows, grackles, and moles, are attracted to areas with high populations of beetles or larva and are capable of causing extensive damage to lawns.

Asian Ladybug

Unlike the beneficial species of ladybugs that work tirelessly to limit populations of aphids and other vegetation-destroying insects, the invasive Asian ladybug has become a despised pest.

While the Asian ladybug or beetle is now considered a pest, the insects were once intentionally introduced into the United States to assist with pest control.

Asian ladybugs have a number of qualities that make them unpopular. These pests are capable of actively spreading a harmful fungal parasite known as microsporidia. When beneficial native species of lady beetles consume parasite-infected eggs or the young larvae of the Asian ladybug, these beneficial insects become infected and die. Immune to the harmful effects of the parasite, the Asian ladybug instead uses it to infect and decimate other insects that would otherwise feed on them and limit their numbers.

For Twin Cities area residents, the Asian ladybug has become a despised symbol of fall and winter as they cluster near home doorways and windows hoping to gain entry. In addition to their unsightly clustering activities, Asian ladybugs are also capable of secreting a foul-smelling liquid that can stain some surfaces. This insect can also give a painful bite to humans.

Residents often see a reappearance of these insects indoors after they seemingly disappear from exterior surfaces of the home. Good at adapting and surviving, Asian ladybugs often find shelter in the walls of homes and businesses by entering into cracks, crevices, and unsealed openings. They can then find their way into the interior of the home as they search for food and moisture.

Box Elder Bug

One pest that residents of the Twin Cities are very familiar with is the Box Elder bug. These harmless bugs are troublesome because they tend to group together. They’re native to the western United States and are especially found wherever Box Elder maples grow. These trees’ seeds are Box Elder bugs’ primary source of food, which is why they congregate around the trees.

Box Elder bugs are small, oval bugs with black backs and distinctive red marks. They emerge from hibernation in the spring and congregate on warm areas when the temperatures drop in the fall, which means you might find them on the south-facing sides of your home. They’ll try to enter your home as winter comes, so it’s important to contact a pest control company as soon as you notice a problem.

Box Elder bugs won’t pose much of a threat to your garden — unless you have Box Elder maples — and they’re not bothersome to pets. But they can bite, causing slight skin irritation, and unsightly groups of them are unpleasant to have around. You can handle one or two that sneak inside, but large populations are best dealt with by a professional.

To learn more about invasive and other pests common to the area in and around the Twin Cities, and how best to deal with them, newcomers are invited to call one of our friendly experts at Paffy's Pest Control. Get in touch with our team today for help avoiding these troublesome pests — we’re happy to help you.