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Smarty Plants Podcast

Smarty Plants Podcast Logo Discover Smarty Plants, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's podcast that digs into the fascinating world of invasive species. Join expert guests as they share insights and solutions to protect our environment and agricultural resources. Visit Smarty Plants and start listening today.

Holiday Greenery Disposal Small Poster532.77 KB
Holiday Greenery Disposal Large Poster589.41 KB
Holiday Greenery Disposal Flier2.11 MB
Purchase Local Holiday Greenery
Dispose of Holiday Greenery

Holiday Greenery Invasive Insects

Spongy moths lay their eggs in protected areas on both natural and artificial surfaces. Egg masses are quarter-sized fuzzy, tan colored and contain 500-100 eggs. Spongy moth is a pest with a host range up to 300 plants species. Spongy moth caterpillars defoliate trees and can impact forests and related industries. This species is currently under quarantine in Lake and Cook counties in the state of Minnesota and as well as other states across the Eastern US. They hitchhike on items like:
  • Christmas trees
  • Nursery stock
  • Logs
  • Firewood
  • Recreation equipment, including campers, and lawn chairs

Spongy Moth Distribution

Spongy Moth Biology

A Christmas tree with a tan colored gypsy moth egg mass on the trunk

Spongy Moth
Spongy moths lay their eggs in protected areas on both natural and artificial surfaces. Egg masses are quarter-sized fuzzy, tan colored and contain 500-100 eggs. Spongy moth is a pest with a host range up to 300 plants species. Spongy moth caterpillars defoliate trees and can impact forests and related industries. This species is currently under quarantine in Lake and Cook counties in the state of Minnesota and as well as other states across the Eastern US. They hitchhike on items like:
  • Christmas trees
  • Nursery stock
  • Logs
  • Firewood
  • Recreation equipment, including campers, and lawn chairs

Spongy Moth Distribution

Spongy Moth Biology

A Christmas tree with a tan colored gypsy moth egg mass on the trunk

No

Elongate hemlock scale is found almost exclusively on the underside of conifer needles. Given their small size and inconspicuous appearance, the elongate hemlock scale may appear to be dirt or debris to the untrained eye. Elongate hemlock scale has a host range up to 40 species of conifers and prefers: hemlock, fir, and spruce. It has been detected in Minnesota but not in landscape or natural areas. They can be found hitchhiking on:

  • Christmas trees
  • Holiday wreaths, bows, and sprays
  • Nursery stock

Elongate Hemlock Scale Distribution

Elongate Hemlock Scale Biology

A conifer branch with yellowing needles and small brosn spots on the underside of the needles.
Spongy moths lay their eggs in protected areas on both natural and artificial surfaces. Egg masses are quarter-sized fuzzy, tan colored and contain 500-100 eggs. Spongy moth is a pest with a host range up to 300 plants species. Spongy moth caterpillars defoliate trees and can impact forests and related industries. This species is currently under quarantine in Lake and Cook counties in the state of Minnesota and as well as other states across the Eastern US. They hitchhike on items like:
  • Christmas trees
  • Nursery stock
  • Logs
  • Firewood
  • Recreation equipment, including campers, and lawn chairs

Spongy Moth Distribution

Spongy Moth Biology

A Christmas tree with a tan colored gypsy moth egg mass on the trunk

Spotted lanternfly is a primary pest of vineyards and nursery stock, with a host range up to 65 plant species. It has not been found in Minnesota. It can be found clinging to most anything including:

  • Christmas trees
  • Plants
  • Smooth building materials like bricks, stone, and metal
  • Vehicles, trailers, and freight

Spotted Lanternfly Distirbution Map

Spotted Lanternfly Biology

A major pest of fruit trees and vegetables with a wide range of host plants, BMSB overwinters by invading and hitchhiking on manufactured items. It is established in parts of Minnesota. They are adept at stowing away on:

  • Holiday greenery freight
  • Cargo containers
  • Vehicles
  • Recreation vehicles

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Distribution

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Biology

A brown shield shaped insect.

Japanese maple scale has a large host range of mostly trees and shrubs. It has not been found in Minnesota. It can be found hitchhiking on:

  • Holiday twigs and sprays of shrubs like dogwood and willow
  • Nursery stock

Japanese maple scale is widely distributed throughout the eastern United States.

Japanese Maple Scale Biology

Spotted lanternfly is a primary pest of vineyards and nursery stock, with a host range up to 65 plant species. It has not been found in Minnesota. It can be found clinging to most anything including:

  • Christmas trees
  • Plants
  • Smooth building materials like bricks, stone, and metal
  • Vehicles, trailers, and freight

Spotted Lanternfly Distirbution Map

Spotted Lanternfly Biology

Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternfly is a primary pest of vineyards and nursery stock, with a host range up to 65 plant species. It has not been found in Minnesota. It can be found clinging to most anything including:

  • Christmas trees
  • Plants
  • Smooth building materials like bricks, stone, and metal
  • Vehicles, trailers, and freight

Spotted Lanternfly Distirbution Map

Spotted Lanternfly Biology

No

Holiday Greenery Invasive Pathogens

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