Pests are organisms that are capable of harming humans, animals, plants or the environment. Pests include a variety of organisms ranging from microbes to plants to animals.

Multiple approaches are used by MDA to deal with pests. First, we try to prevent new pests from arriving in Minnesota or to detect them soon after they arrive. If a pest is not widespread, we will try to eradicate or contain the infestation. If the pest is widely established, we use an integrated approach to manage pest populations.

If you suspect an invasive pest, please use the Invasive Species Reporting Form (PDF) to report it MDA. You can play a role in helping to detect invasive pests from moving into and spreading across Minnesota. Examples of insect pests that have been or are of concern to MDA are the gypsy moth, emerald ash borer, soybean aphid and Japanese beetle.