Missouri Sounds Alarm on Aggressive Field Pest

It's now time to check the fields. The state of Missouri has sounded the alarm that a vicious invasive bug has been confirmed in numerous places around the state and the worst is yet to come.

I just came across this alert from the University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management. They say that Popillia japonica is active in many fields across Missouri. That complicated species name is better known as the infamous Japanese Beetle. According to the University of Missouri Pest Monitoring, these nasty pests are now confirmed in at least 15 locations.

What's the problem with Japanese Beetles being spotted in Missouri fields?

The USDA says Japanese Beetles are "voracious eaters". Trees, shrubs and grass are all potential targets for destruction for Japanese Beetles. Authorities warn that these bugs are one of the most economically devastating invasive pests anywhere in America.

The alert from the University of Missouri specifically refers to potential damage on soybeans and corn. The means of controlling them depends, but is a challenge due to the fact that they're extremely mobile. In extreme cases, insecticides can be deployed while some experts prefer to trap them by using floral scents and sex pheromones. The bulletin from Mizzou says that they expect the Japanese Beetle activity and population to spike in the next two weeks which is why checking farmers fields now is vital.