more... > Parishes > St. Charles > Insect Pest Updates > The Cactus Moth [Image: CM 1st Instar] The cactus moth is an invasive species that has both beneficial and pest qualities. Used in Africa and Australia to remove pest cactus, it is now in the United States removing native and ornamental cactus. In the United States, this pest has moved from Florida to Alabama to Mississippi and now Louisiana. June 2009 Insect Update [Image: Colaspsis] Here are some bugs being reported around the state. May 2009 Insect Update [Image: Mosquito] LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet says we are getting to the hot and wet part of the year, and we are beginning to see some serious insect problems. April 2009 Insect Update [Image: Lubber Grasshopper] Well, the weather cannot make up its mind as to rainfall or temperature, but the insect population has been awakened and is already moving everywhere. Looks like it will be a big bug year, so be aware.  more articles... March 2009 Insect Update [Image: Buck Moth] With the hot and cold variations we’re having, it’s hard to tell what all will show up this spring. Several pests have already begun, and several other show potential to be problems. Here is what we are seeing already. February 2009 Bug Update [Image: Leaf-footed Bug] Although we have had some crazy weather, we are still seeing some insects flying around and creating a nuisance of themselves. Even honeybee swarms are starting with the hot, sunny weather we had last week, and those in trees are coming out and getting ready for spring, which seems just around the corner. January 2009 Insect Update [Image: Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth] Well, the year is starting mixed up as usual – warm-to-hot wet weather when it should be cool. And we are beginning to see some of the results of the weather conditions. December 2008 Insect Update [Image: Asian Ladybeetles] For the past couple of months, the primary concern was getting bees out of downed trees and removing swarms that formed from trees downed by the hurricanes. With the onset of cool to cold weather, we have a series of insects that need addressing.