Clemson University Invasive Species Program

07/29/2026

Check out this article recently published in The State Newspaper about invasive species in South Carolina.

Invasive plants and insects pose a serious threat to South Carolina agriculture. It’s easy and important to report sightings.

07/27/2026

This past week, we had the opportunity to participate in the two-day event, Organic Certification Essentials, from our fellow Plant Industry program, the Clemson University Organic Certification Program. During this event, we not only learned about Certified Organics but also about the relationships built through this community. We had firsthand experience with organic practices and heard from their certified partners and partner organizations.

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07/24/2026

This past week, we were at the South Carolina Beekeepers Association 2026 Summer Conference. Our very own Apiary Inspection Program Coordinator, Brad Cavin, gave the keynote talk on the Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH), and the beekeepers were able to see a plethora of nests pulled from the Lowcountry.

Don’t forget, beekeepers, we need you to be on the lookout and report YLH hawking, hovering near the entrances of honeybee hives! clemson.edu/ylh

07/22/2026

Regulatory Services is a multidisciplinary Division at Clemson University. We are made up of multiple specialized departments and programs beyond Invasive Species. Today, we are highlighting the unique work of the Fertilizer Regulatory and Certification Services. If you’re interested in learning more about who they are or what they do, navigate to their website www.clemson.edu/FRCS


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07/21/2026

The Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH), a new invasive pollinator predator in South Carolina, is currently building primary and secondary nests as the colonies begin to grow. Be on the lookout on and around structures and in trees. Learn more about identification and reporting in our latest addition of our YLH newsletter “Hornet Herald” at
https://blogs.clemson.edu/regulatory/july-2026-yellow-legged-hornet-update-report-nests/
Or 🔗 in bio!

07/21/2026

We enjoyed engaging with our local ag community at the Tri-State Ag Expo this past week!

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07/20/2026

The two-spot leafhopper is an invasive pest threatening growers in the Southeast. Following recent detections, Clemson is collaborating with institutions such as Auburn to better understand, monitor and detect these pests. Watch the full video Auburn College of Agriculture and check out some of the two-spot leaf hopper articles Clemson News has put out as well here https://news.clemson.edu/?s=two-spot+leafhopper or the 🔗 in our bio.

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07/17/2026

Emerald Ash Borer devastates the ash trees in the upstate. Infested firewood is a common method of transportation. DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD. This prevention measure helps to decrease the spread and infection of wood-boarding pests.

07/15/2026

We. Need. You.

Help us be part of the response to the Yellow-legged Hornet (YLH) infestation in South Carolina by setting up traps and reporting when spotted. You can find these helpful step-by-step videos on Clemson’s CALFS YouTube page or find the direct links on our website under YLH, or right here in Helpful Links in our bio.

07/13/2026

Our Yellow-legged Hornet team has continued to respond to the invasive threat to pollinators. Read more about the work they’ve been doing in this The New York Times article featuring stories from our very own Apiary Inspection Program Coordinator, Brad Cavin.

Here https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/science/south-carolina-yellow-legged-hornets.html?unlocked_article_code=1.xVA.yCbx.7ZYjxD1u375q&smid=url-share or 🔗 in bio.