Sustainable barnacle-repelling paint could help the shipping industry and the environment

Barnacles might seem like a given part of a seasoned ship's hull, but they're literally quite a drag and cause a ship to burn more fuel. To prevent these and other hangers-on from slowing ships down, scientists are developing a sustainable paint ingredient from plants that can repel clingy sea critters without killing them.

Read article here: Sustainable barnacle-repelling paint could help the shipping industry and the environment -- ScienceDaily

Georgia Outdoors - Invaders Episode

See article here: http://www.gpb.org/news/2014/04/25/invasive-species-burmese-pythons-may-be-slithering-up-to-a-backyard-near-you

Video: A Lot of Mouths to Feed

Asian Carp die-off in Kentucky

See the article here: http://www.kyforward.com/art-landers-outdoors/2014/04/28/worst-of-asian-carp-fish-kill-over-experts-say-half-million-dead-in-largest-carp-die-off-in-u-s/

Video: Seven Ways To Leave Hungry Pests Behind

Video: Invasive Pests on Moving Firewood

A series of eye-grabbing, slightly eerie videos starring Vin Vasive, the anti-hero of USDA’s Hungry Pests program.  Vin is made up entirely of invasive pests, and he reveals—in a maniacal way—how he gets around in the things people move and pack.  Then USDA provides the voice of reason and explains how to defeat Vin and “Leave Hungry Pests Behind.”  

Spread the message, not the pests

They’re here, and they’re hungry! Invasive species, that is. These Hungry Pests feast on and infest America’s agriculture, damage our parks and forests, wreck our gardens, and throw our ecosystem off balance. Since they don’t always have natural predators, their numbers can become overwhelming if left unchecked. In fact, the economic impact of invasive species has been estimated to exceed $1 billion annually in the United States due to lost revenue and clean up costs.

What can you do to help leave Hungry Pests behind? Prevent their introduction in the first place. Here are some easy steps:

·      Buy local, burn local. Since pests and larvae can hide and ride long distances in firewood, buy firewood where you burn it.

·      Plant carefully. Buy garden plants from a reputable source and avoid using invasive plant species at all costs.

·      Do not bring or mail fresh fruits, vegetables or plants into your state or another state unless agricultural inspectors have cleared them beforehand.

·      Cooperate with any agricultural quarantine restrictions and allow authorized agricultural workers access to your property for pest or disease surveys.

·      Keep it clean. Wash outdoor gear and tires between fishing, hunting or camping trips. Clean lawn furniture and other outdoor items when moving from one home to another.

·      Learn to identify. If you see signs of an invasive pest or disease, write down or take a picture of what you see and then report it at www.HungryPests.com.

·      Speak up. Declare all agricultural items to customs officials when returning from international travel. Call USDA to find out what’s allowed: (301) 851-2046 for plants, (301) 851-3300 for animals. Go to http://www.aphis.usda.gov/travel/ to learn more.

Talk to friends and neighbors about hungry pests. And for more information, visit www.HungryPests.com.