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This is how the invading giant hornets kill bees 2:55
(CNN) - Add another giant bug to the list of things the Washington state is working to control right now.
Earlier this week, scientists said they had seen giant Asian hornets in the state, and how they got there is still unknown.
Now there is another threat: a non-native gypsy moth.
LOOK: Invasive giant hornets are first seen in the United States
It is such a threat, in fact, that Governor Jay Inslee issued an emergency proclamation due to the creatures, saying there was an "imminent danger of an infestation" of plant pests in parts of Snohomish County.
"This imminent danger of infestation puts the agricultural and horticultural industries of Washington state at serious risk and seriously threatens the economic well-being and quality of life of the state's residents," the proclamation said.
The threat is posed by both Asian gypsy moths and Asian-European hybrid gypsy moths, according to the emergency proclamation.
According to a government agency, pests can cause significant damage.
"According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture," Large infestations (of the Asian gypsy moth) can completely defoliate trees. " "This defoliation can severely weaken trees and shrubs, making them more susceptible to disease. Repeated defoliation can lead to the death of large sections of forests, orchards and gardens. "
Females can lay hundreds of eggs, according to the agency, which develop into caterpillars and chew more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs.
And because moths can fly long distances, they are likely to spread rapidly across the country, the agency said.
moth