Keep an eye out for invasive insects. 

Gwen Podeschi is a master gardener at University of Illinois Christian County area, and she says that they aren’t in central Illinois yet, but they could make their way to the region. 

The master gardener says that if these pests become prevalent in the area, they will cause major harm to the ecosystem. 

Podeschi says that you should report a box tree moth or spotted lantern fly if you see them. 

She does say that Christian County has been safe from most invasive insects, including the emerald ash bore, but she thinks the emerald ash bore is in the county already – just unreported. 

There are cards of invasive pests you can find at the University of Illinois Extension Office in Taylorville. If you think you see an invasive pest, take a sample and put it in a jar and turn it in. 

Podeschi appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.