Samantha Simon

The damage caused by invasive pests, known as "hungry pests," can be costly. "Invasive insects and plant diseases cost the US an estimated $40 billion each year in damages to trees, plants, crops, and related eradication and control efforts," said Samantha Simon with USDA's Plant Protection and Quarantine ...

April is invasive plant pest and disease awareness month. "This is a time when many of the plant pest start to emerge and they’re easy to see and it’s important to highlight this time because people play a crucial role in preventing the spread of invasive pests and protecting our forests, our crops, and our landscapes," said Samantha Simon USDA’s Executive  Director if Emergency and Do

Spring is a time for moving, but many people don't realize that their move may also be helping invasive insects travel too.   "About 35 million Americans move every year, increasing the risk of spreading invasive species and transporting them long distances to areas that are pest-free,” said USDA's Samantha Simon.   T...

April is invasive plant, pest and disease awareness month, and northwest farmers, and outdoor lovers need to watch out for hungry pests.  Samantha Simon, the Senior Species Coordinator at the USDA, said Americans pick up a lot of these while traveling, both domestically and internationally.  Si...

The fourth month of the year has special meaning for the USDA.   “April is invasive plant, pest and disease awareness month because this is the month when many of the pests and diseases emerge and begin destroying out nation’s forests, crops and landscapes,” said Samantha Simon, USDA Senior Invasive Species Coordinator.   She said inva...