Invasive Species Spotlights

The first North American colony of Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) was found in Savannah GA, in 2023. YLH is a predatory insect that commonly feeds on other social bees and wasps, including western honeybees. Originally from Southeast Asia, YLH was introduced into France in 2004 where it quickly spread across much of Western Europe. Subsequently, beekeepers reported colony losses resulting from YLH attacks. Establishment of this exotic pest in the U.S. poses a significant threat to our already embattled pollinator populations.

Are you a South Carolina resident concerned about our pollinators? Consider subscribing to the Hornet Herald to stay up to date about this pest and please consider joining Clemson University’s response efforts by constructing and monitoring a yellow-legged hornet trap and reporting suspect hornets.

Report Cogongrass in SC

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is an invasive weed that can choke out even the most hardy native plants. The Asian native grass is a federally regulated noxious invasive weed, and is considered one of the worst weeds in the world. Cogongrass can easily displace native plants that are used by birds, animals and insects for forage and shelter. The weed also poses a threat as a fire hazard. Cogongrass burns very hot and will burn beneficial plants commonly managed with fire. When cogongrass is detected in South Carolina, the Department of Plant Industry assists property owners in determining appropriate eradication methods. DPI monitors all known cogongrass sites to prevent further spread.

Cogongrass grows from a crown and is not a branching grass. It can grow as tall as five feet. You can tell cogongrass apart from other weeds in one of three ways:

Report ALB in SC

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, infestations across the U.S. cause huge economic losses for the nursery and forest industries. Municipalities and homeowners with infested trees may incur major damage as many hosts for ALB are commonly found in urban and suburban areas. Falling trees and branches are a safety hazard as ALB weakens tree structure as the larvae chew large tunnels in the wood. Trees eventually die from this damage.

ALB has killed thousands of trees in 6 states and threatens trees in every state. Once a beetle infests a tree, there is no cure. Our best line of defense against this devastating pest is vigilance. South Carolinians can look at trees in their landscape for signs and symptoms of ALB.

Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a voracious invasive planthopper that feeds on over 100 plant species including fruit, ornamental, and woody trees. SLF was first detected in the U.S. in 2014 in Pennsylvania and has since spread via human travel in all life stages to several surrounding states including North Carolina. Please keep an eye out for SLF in South Carolina.