Pest Surveys
In addition to encouraging citizen reports of invasive species through the Report a Pest system, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) also conducts early detection surveys for organisms deemed the highest risk for entering Minnesota.
For organisms that reach Minnesota, detecting them early in the invasion process is critical because economic and environmental costs increase dramatically the more widespread an invasive species becomes. (Graph from North American Invasive Species Network)
Current MDA Surveys
- Ag Pathways - fruit and vegetable farms and gardens in and around urban areas– survey for multiple insects and pathogens.
- Commodities throughout Minnesota – survey for multiple insects and pathogens of corn, canola and soybeans.
- Seed potatoes – survey for cyst nematodes.
- Brown marmorated stink bug – survey around sites where confirmed finds of brown marmorated stink bug have been made to determine where populations are establishing.
- Honey bee pests and diseases – participating in a national survey of pests and pathogens associated with honey bees.
- Spongy Moth – annual statewide trapping survey (since 1973) to detect new infestations.
Leroy Rodgers, South Florida Water Management District
