Background Information
There is an ongoing threat in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, one that is causing damage to the environment, agricultural output, and the economy. Many people are unaware that this threat even exists, let alone the magnitude of its scope. This threat is referred to as “invasive species,” and is not to be taken lightly. Invasive species are organisms—insects, animals, plants, or bacteria—that leave their native habitats and enter a new environment, often because of human interference. In this new environment, there are few, if any limitations on their growth, and they often have devastating and irreversible consequences (Simberloff np). Invasive species wreak an incredible amount of havoc in their new surroundings—preying on native organisms, outcompeting native species for resources, and often endangering indigenous species. In addition to the ecological consequences are the agricultural consequences; exotic species, especially insects, possess an extraordinary capacity to harm crops. Some invaders, such as the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) from Asia, and the Mexican Bean Beetle from Mexico, can even destroy the majority of a harvest (Marder np). Farmers are then forced to invest inordinate amounts of time and money in pesticides or other remedies that may be ineffective or have further negative consequences. This and other expenses are reflected in higher produce prices, imperfections in fruits and vegetables, and increased chemical use. Invasive species are made even more harmful by the fact that once they enter into a new environment and become established, they are extraordinarily difficult to eradicate; to completely purge an area of its invaders is often impossible, simply because the elimination of every individual organism from a specific area is unfeasible (Simberloff np). However, because invasive species are so injurious, it is necessary to attempt to control these pests through physical, chemical, or biological means. Invasive species, specifically the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, have an enormously negative impact on the environment as they disrupt the natural and delicate balance of the ecosystem and harm crop production, forcing farmers to increase their own expenditures, ultimately leading to higher produce prices. Research endeavors to find solutions—biological, chemical, or otherwise—to control invasive species, which also contribute to economic issues; however, such enterprises are necessary and ongoing in the hopes that a future effective remedy for invasive species will be discovered.