Recognizing April As Invasive Species Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, April is Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month. These species, commonly known as hungry pests, begin to emerge in the warmer months and can be spread easily by the public.

They attack trees, plants, and agriculture products, and it costs the United States nearly $40 billion each year in damages and extermination efforts. The transfer of these invasive species hurts our American farmers and contributes to the destruction of forests and public lands.

In Pennsylvania the spotted lanternfly is a threat to apples, grapes, peaches, stone fruits, and various tree species--specially hardwoods-- throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Pests can be spread by human activities like moving into a new home, traveling in the U.S. or internationally, mailing plants and food, and moving untreated firewood. The USDA offers a free checklist for those moving into a new household that would help reduce the risk of spreading hungry pests into their new home.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to be mindful of these risks and utilize the great resources available to reduce the spread of invasive species.

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