During the month of April – USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will share information about the threat of invasive plant pests, diseases and harmful weeds to America’s fruits, vegetables, trees and other plants. They’ll also highlight how the public can help prevent the spread of these pests and diseases. According to Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs Rebecca Blue – the Department needs the public’s help because invasive pests can have a huge impact on the items used in everyday life – including the fabric in our clothing and the food on our table. USDA says these pests have cost the U.S. billions of dollars.

According to USDA – there are a number of actions people can take to help stop the unintended introduction and spread of invasive pests. The number one action is to leave hungry pests behind. To learn more about this and other ways to protect American agricultural resources – folks can visit www dot hungrypests dot com (www.HungryPests.com).