SHEPerspective: Invasive Species

Halyomorpha halys have spread from crops to homes. Photo: Mark Sheperdigian

As front-line combatants in the war against pests, we’re chronically labeled as killers of the natural fauna. Truthfully, almost every significant urban pest is an introduced species, and we’re Anakin Skywalker* bringing balance to the force.

Of the major urban pests, only Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) and carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are native species. All others are interlopers. House mice; Norway and roof rats; pavement and pharaoh ants; German, American, and Oriental cockroaches; bed bugs; Indianmeal moths, and dozens more are introduced species.

If an introduced species thrives and has a significantly negative effect on the environment, on an indigenous species, or the human population, it’s considered invasive. Honey bees are a deliberately introduced species that achieve pest status occasionally, but they are not invasive.

By Mark Sheperdigian

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