Cicadas stir up a ruckus
Periodical Cicadas are unique to certain regions of North America. Scientists have mapped 23 broods of 13-year and 17-year periodical cicadas across an area that spans from eastern Texas to Massachusetts.
Pedestrians scurry up and down the central boulevard, peering nervously upwards at the interlocking…
#Cicadas, #Insects
Invasive Species
What is an invasive species?
Photo courtesy of Johnny Randall, North Carolina Botanical Garden, Bugwood.org.
Invasive species have two main characteristics: they are non-native (exotic/alien) to the ecosystem that they occupy, and their existence in that ecosystem causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. If…
#InvasiveSpecies, #Invasives, #Insects, #ForestHealth, #ForestHealthProtection
Checking for ticks
Tickborne diseases are on the rise, particularly in the spring, summer and early fall when ticks are most active, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.That means if you are outdoors, you need to take precautions for yourself, your family and your pets before, during and after your visit.Steps to protect against ticks. Follow these whether you work outside, enjoy your yard…
#OutdoorSafety, #Insects, #Ticks, #Learning
Insect and Disease Area Designations
Section 8204 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 directs within 60 days of enactment, the Secretary shall, if requested by the Governor, designate at least one landscape-scale area in at least one national forest as part of an insect and disease treatment program in each State that is experiencing an insect or disease epidemic. After the end of the 60-day period, the Secretary may designate…