Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Pest Alerts

lanternfly on a branch — SPOTTED LANTERNFLY

Native to China, this pest can cause significant damage to a wide range of fruit, ornamental and woody trees. Rhode Island is at high risk for this pest.

two asian giant hornets — ASIAN GIANT HORNET

This invasive pest has captured a lot attention with its nickname of Murder Hornet. At this point, there is no evidence of this pest in or near Rhode Island.

emerald ash borer in a hand — EMERALD ASH BORER FOUND IN RHODE ISLAND

Check out more information on the Division of Forest Environment pages.

three different images of gypsy moths — GYPSY MOTHS IN RHODE ISLAND

The caterpillars of this invasive species consume the leaves of broadleaf trees and shrubs – such as oaks, aspen, apple, speckled alder, basswood, and willow.

giant hogweed — GIANT HOGWEED

Giant Hogweed is an invasive and poisonous plant that pose a threat as both an environmental and a public health hazard.

We are currently monitoring these exotic pests as part of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS). If you think you've discovered a pest not native to Rhode Island, and particularly if you suspect the pest to be the Asian Longhorned Beetle or the Emerald Ash Borer, please us to let us know. And help slow the spread: Don’t Move Firewood!

Report an Exotic Agricultural Pest, Invasive Insect or Plant

NOTE: If you believe you have found an Asian Longhorn Beetle or Emerald Ash Borer, please make every safe and reasonable effort to capture or closely photograph it to aid in identification, as there are several native species with a similar appearance.