Invasive insects and other invasive pests can have significant and negative impacts on agroecosystems and increase the cost of crop production. For example, the pea leaf weevil and cabbage seedpod weevil invaded and established in the prairie region in the past 25 years. Both have affected yield and required insecticide application for management.
Managing invasive alien species, including insects, involves: Preparedness, Prevention, Detection, Response and Recovery.
Preparedness, Prevention, and Detection are important steps that can help to keep invasive species from becoming established. Everyone can help to prevent the invasion of insects by following guidelines to avoid the accidental movement or introduction of insects to Canada.
Similarly, everyone can help with early detection of invasive insects. In the Prairie Region, 12 important insect pests to watch out for are included on posters developed by the Canadian Plant Health Council. The poster is also available in French.
This is the last Insect of the Week post of 2024. Thank you for reading the Insect of the Week series this year!