Pest Patrol

Yippee! The kids are out of school and it’s time to start planning that family vacation. Even with the high cost of gas it’s expected that thousands of families will be headed for vacation destinations this year. And what do families bring back with them from their summer holiday besides a sunburn, why souvenirs of course. And often, without even realizing it, they bring unwanted visitors back home with them as well. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service urges summer travelers to “join the fight against invasive pests by not packing a pest”. Invasive insect species can hitch a ride on fresh produce, plants, processed foods, and hand crafted items. These unwanted hitchhikers can then become established in states where they can ultimately destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars in eradication efforts. That’s why Customs and Border Protection officers stop road weary vacationers to inspect baggage and vehicles. They’re not out to ruin your vacation memories, they’re just working to safeguard the nation's agriculture, fishing and forestry industries. So instead of giving them a hard time, give them a hand. “Don’t pack a pest”.