The Top Invasive Pests To Watch For This Summer

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer this year, it is time to soak up the good vibes: barbecues, garden parties, and lazy afternoons outdoors.

But these top invasive pests are crashing the party, threatening your plants, home, and even your health. They are supercharged by climate change and global trade and are spreading faster than ever.

Do not let them ruin your summer fun! At Pestclue, we are all about empowering you with practical, down-to-earth advice to spot and stop these pests before they take over.

 

Why are Invasive Pests a Big Deal?

Invasive pests are not just annoying, but they can devastate crops, damage property, and spread diseases.

Warmer summers and milder winters are giving these pests more time to thrive, making 2025 a critical year for vigilance.

From beetles munching on your roses to ticks lurking in tall grass, knowing what to look for is half the battle. Pestclue has your back with expert tips, DIY solutions, and connections to pros when things get out of hand.

Ready to meet the culprits? Here are the top five invasive pests you need to watch out for this summer.

 

Read also: Cockroach Season In 2025: The 5 Cities With Growing Cockroach Infestations

 

What are the Top 5 Invasive Pests to Watch for this Summer?

1. Japanese Beetle

Imagine stepping into your backyard to find your prized roses and veggies reduced to lacy skeletons. That is the work of the Japanese beetle, a shiny green pest with a voracious appetite.

Found in 42 U.S. states, these beetles chew through leaves, flowers, and fruits, while their grubs burrow underground, killing plant roots.

They are a major headache for gardeners and farmers, and their spread is creeping westward, hitting places like Kansas hard.

• Where to spot them: Look for them in gardens, orchards, and lawns, especially in the eastern U.S. They are most active in warm, sunny weather.
• Damage they cause: Adults strip foliage, leaving plants weak, while grubs destroy roots, causing grass or crops to die.

Check your plants daily for chewed leaves or wilting. Early in the morning, when beetles are less active, shake them off into a bucket of soapy water.

For grub issues, consider repotting plants in fresh soil or using beneficial nematodes.

2. Joro Spider

Ever walked face-first into a giant spider web stretching across your porch? Chances are, you have met the Joro spider.

These large, yellow-striped orb-weavers, originally from Asia, have been weaving their way across the southern U.S. since the 2010s.

While they do not bite humans or damage plants, their massive webs and knack for outcompeting native insects make them a nuisance.

Plus, they are spreading north, so more folks will spot them in 2025.

• Where to spot them: Southern states like Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, with webs peaking in October. Keep an eye on trees, fences, and outdoor furniture.
• Damage they cause: Their webs can clog up yards and patios, and they disrupt local ecosystems by preying on native bugs.

Clear yard clutter like old furniture or woodpiles where Joros love to hide. Seal gaps around doors and windows to keep them out of your home.

A natural spider repellent, like peppermint oil spray, works wonders. If webs are taking over, a broom and some elbow grease can do the trick.

3. Asian Longhorned Tick

Do not let their small size fool you; the Asian longhorned tick is a serious threat. Unlike most ticks, females can reproduce without males, leading to rapid population booms.

They can carry diseases like Lyme or Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), posing risks to humans, pets, and livestock.

With summer hiking and outdoor adventures in full swing, these ticks are a pest you cannot ignore.

• Where to spot them: Tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast.
• Damage they cause: Bites can transmit diseases, and heavy infestations can stress livestock, affecting farms.

Before heading outdoors, apply a DEET-based repellent and wear long sleeves and pants, tucking pants into socks for extra protection.

After hikes, do a full-body tick check. For your yard, keep grass short and clear brush to reduce tick habitats.

4. Spotted Lanternfly

Spotted lanternflies are the pests you will love to hate. These colorful planthoppers, with their red, black, and white wings, feed on sap from grapes, peaches, hops, and hardwoods, leaving behind a sticky “honeydew” that causes mold growth.

Experts predict a surge in 2025 due to increased egg masses, making them a top concern for farmers and homeowners alike.

• Where to spot them: Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, especially on tree of heaven plants, their favorite host.
• Damage they cause: Sap feeding weakens plants, and their honeydew promotes mold, ruining crops and trees.

Look for gray, putty-like egg masses on trees or outdoor surfaces and scrape them into a double bag for disposal.

Removing the tree of heaven from your property is a game-changer.

5. Box Tree Moth

If your beautifully manicured boxwood hedges are looking bare, the box tree moth might be to blame.

Its green caterpillars munch through boxwood leaves, leaving shrubs damaged or dead. Spreading through nursery stock since 2021, this pest is a growing problem for landscapers and homeowners.

• Where to spot them: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and expanding regions. Check boxwoods for caterpillars or webbing.
• Damage they cause: Caterpillars defoliate shrubs, causing dieback and ruining landscapes.

Inspect boxwoods regularly for caterpillars or leaf damage. Hand-remove small infestations and bag them securely.

For larger problems, connect with a pest control pro through pestclue’s network. Report sightings to state authorities to help curb their spread.

 

How To Prevent these Top Invasive Pests these Summer

Want to keep these invaders out of your life? Here is how to stay proactive:

• Stay Vigilant: Check plants, trees, and outdoor surfaces weekly for pests, eggs, or damage. Early detection saves time and money.
• Seal your Home: Close gaps in doors, windows, and vents to block pests from sneaking inside. A little caulk goes a long way!
• Clear Attractants: Remove standing water, yard debris, or invasive plants like tree of heaven that draw pests in.
• Report Sightings: Did you spot something unusual? Contact your local agriculture department.
• Act Fast: Warmer summers mean pests stick around longer, so do not wait to tackle infestations.

 

Read also: Stinging Insect Nests: Identification Guide

 

Conclusion

From Japanese beetles tearing up your garden to spotted lanternflies threatening your trees, these pests are tough, but you can be tougher.

With pestclue, you have got a trusted partner for practical tips, DIY solutions, and access to top-notch pest control pros.

Do not let these pests bother you this summer; visit pestclue.com today for more advice and everything you need to keep your home and yard pest-free.

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