ON THE LOOKOUT FOR 

HUNGRY 

PESTS

INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 6-8 

THE THREAT 

Invasive pests threaten to devour our parks, crops, 

and neighborhood landscapes. These pests are 

plants, insects, or disease-causing 

microorganisms that move into a 

new ecosystem. They can harm 

the environment and eliminate 

foods that we eat. They can also 

destroy trees that give us wood 

to build homes, and flowers that 

make our gardens beautiful. 

Invasive pests cost our 

country billions of dollars 

each year. 

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your future. There are 

many opportunities to grow a career at the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA). Read on to learn more about this exciting work. 

THE SPREAD 

Invasive pests slip into the country inside or on 

fruits, vegetables, and plants that we buy from 

other countries or that people bring when they 

travel. Pests can also ”catch a ride” in a package sent 

through the mail. When we go camping and get 

close to nature, it also means nature can get close 

to us. Pests may try to hitchhike a ride home in our 

boots, clothes, or other camping gear. 

FIGHTING BACK AGAINST 

HUNGRY PESTS 

The team at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service (APHIS) defends America’s 

animals and plants from Hungry Pests and diseases. 

USDA works with partners abroad to keep Hungry 

Pests far away. USDA tells U.S. Customs and Border 

Protection what to look for when checking animal 

and plant products for invasive pests at the 

border. When pests slip through, USDA 

finds the pests and spreads the word to 

make sure everyone is doing their part 

to stop the Hungry Pests.

THIS GUY 

WORKS FOR 

USDA: YOU 

CAN TOO! 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 1
INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE GRADE LEVEL 6-8 

THE POWER OF MAPS 

USDA uses maps to show the public where invasive pests are, and 

whether they are in their community. Mapping helps raise awareness. 

Maps also help predict the areas of the United States where Hungry 

Pests and disease are likely to go. The climate, including temperature, 

put certain areas at more risk. APHIS maps also show which areas are 

under federal quarantine in each state. A quarantine is an area where a 

pest is present and APHIS is working to control or eliminate it. 

SEE 

A person (like you or me) notices 

signs of an invasive pest in the 

garden or at a park, on a walk, or 

while camping. 

REPORT 

A person calls or emails the local 

USDA office. 

COLLECT

A USDA official collects a pest 

sample to figure out what kind 

of pest has been found. 

CONFIRM

USDA scientists identify the pest 

in a lab using tests, photos from 

a microscope, and sometimes 

DNA analysis. 

ANNOUNCEMENT 

USDA tells local officials and 

the public that a pest has been 

found so everyone can help 

prevent the spread. 

HUNGRY PEST 

DETECTIVES: 

THEIR PROCESS 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

PROTECTING OUR NATION’S RESOURCES AS A CAREER 

Many different careers are important in the fight against Hungry Pests. Plant scientists, geneticists, veterinarians, and data analysts 

all work for USDA. Their work is actually related to subject areas you study in school. For example, if you have a geography class 

you may already be familiar with the work of a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist. GIS specialists create maps 

and study their results. They use advanced mapping software that captures all kinds of geographic information, including pest 

locations. If you enjoy learning about plants, animals, or technology, then a career at USDA might be right for you. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opportunities for students interested in learning more 

about careers in agriculture, science, technology, business, and many other fields. 

Learn more: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/civilrights/agdiscovery/ct_agdiscovery_program

USDA acts fast to stop pest spread. 

They follow an important process. 

This map shows areas currently quarantined for 

European gypsy moth. 

HUNGRY PESTS IS AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 2