Another battalion of invading exotics is noxious weeds. More are on the way, including purple loose-strife and Chinese yam. Federal and state governments are spending millions in New York and Chicago trying to eradicate the Asian long-horned beetle, which attacks and kills at least 30 kinds of trees but loves maples best. The beetle was also intercepted on Chinese freighters in Georgia and North Carolina only a few weeks ago. If efforts to stop it falter, officials say, it would arrive in the Blue Ridge in short order.
Prevention is better.
Research entomologist William Wallner advises officials in the U.S. and other countries on this issue. This is cheaper and far more effective than to try to detect them when they arrive here. Immediately identify and issue alerts on the highest-risk pests worldwide. Enact laws that will permit the U.S. to sue those responsible for all losses caused by exotic pests. Penalties now are pitifully small and infrequent.