Finger Lakes Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Joro spiders, spotted lanternflies: Understanding invasive pests in our area

You may have seen recent headlines about Joro spiders – large, brightly-colored spiders that are making their way across the country, including on the East Coast. Scientists say they pose little risk to humans, and instead, we should be concerned about other invasive pests.

It seems that every year, a new invasive species is in the headlines – from the spotted lanternfly to the LDD moth, to the emerald ash borer.

Experts in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region say nearly everyone in the area has likely encountered an invasive species -- either in a park, along a lakeshore, or in a backyard.

This hour, our guests help us understand invasive species in the region and the impact they've had on humans, the environment, and the economy.

Our guests:

Copyright 2024 WXXI News

Evan Dawson joined WXXI in January 2014 after working at 13WHAM-TV, where he served as morning news anchor. He was hired as a reporter for 13WHAM-TV in 2003 before being promoted to anchor in 2007.
Megan Mack the producer of Connections with Evan Dawson and Unleashed: The Pet Show. She joined the WXXI News team from WHEC-TV, where she produced newscasts and The Olympic Zone, and from the University of Rochester, where she served as an assistant director of public relations. Her background extends to television sports and entertainment, and to communications and social media management for non-profits.