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Watch Out for Invasive Tree Pests
Invasive tree pests are insects and diseases that are not native to Missouri. Many of these can cause severe damage to our trees and forests. Browse this section to learn about some common invasive tree pests and how to identify them.
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Report Pests
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Help slow the spread of invasive pests through early detection. Contact the Missouri Department of Conservation if you see signs of invasive insects or diseases.
Email forest.health@mdc.mo.gov to report suspected invasive tree pests.
Help Protect Our Trees
Don't Move Firewood
Many tree-killing pests travel in firewood. If you love Missouri’s forests, buy firewood where you camp, and burn it all before you leave.
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Asian Longhorned Beetle
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An unwanted arrival from Asia that's now living in parts of the United States, the Asian longhorned beetle could destroy millions of acres of American hardwoods. Learn about this invasive, potentially devastating insect!
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Learn the latest news on Asian longhorned beetles from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
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Emerald Ash Borer
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Learn to ID and report signs of the emerald ash borer: a highly destructive, invasive beetle that kills every type of ash tree — even healthy, vigorous ones.
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MO EAB Management Guide968.23 KB
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Consult the EAB Management Guide for Missouri Homeowners to help you make decisions about protecting your ash trees from this invasive pest.
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Emerald ash borer is an exotic beetle that kills ash trees. Learn to identify and report EAB in your area.
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Multinational, multistate website providing the latest information about emerald ash borer (sponsored by USDA Forest Service and Michigan State, Purdue, and Ohio State universities).
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Gypsy Moth
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Accidentally introduced to the eastern United States from Europe, this species has been responsible for millions of dollars in damages to forests. Visit our online field guide to learn about the life cycle and other details about this insect.
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These hungry insects aren't in Missouri yet, but they will drastically alter our forests if and when they arrive. Learn to avoid spreading these destructive forest pests.
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Spotted Lanternfly
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Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org
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The spotted lanternfly has not been found in Missouri yet but is present in several eastern states. It has the potential to damage our forests and food supply by feeding on trees and crop plants.
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The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service offers detailed information about the spotted lanternfly in the United States.
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Thousand Cankers Disease
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Because thousand cankers disease (TCD) kills black walnut trees, it poses a serious threat to Missouri’s important black walnut industry. Learn to ID and report early symptoms and signs.
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TCD FAQ461.71 KB
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This brochure answers frequently asked questions about thousand cankers disease, which has not yet been found in Missouri.
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TCD Action Plan488.51 KB
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The Thousand Cankers Disease Action Plan outlines monitoring, detection, reporting and response activities specific to thousand cankers disease of black walnut.
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Related Content
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Japanese beetles are known to feed on over 300 plant species. Linden (basswood), elm, crabapple, sycamore (planetree), sassafras, plum, cherry, birch, and bald cypress are commonly damaged, as well as rose, grape, and Virginia creeper.
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The Don't Move Firewood website has lots of resources to help you learn more about the pests and diseases that kill our forests. Great for teachers, students, and families who like to camp.