What are the most common types of pests that threaten crops in the US?

Crop pests can cause significant damage to crops, which can have a major impact on food production and supply. There are many different types of pests that threaten crops in the US, but some of the most common include:

• Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of plants and can transmit viruses that can cause damage to crops.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to crops by eating the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. Some of the most common types of caterpillars that are pests include armyworms and cutworms.
• Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can cause damage to crops by feeding on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants. They can also transmit viruses to plants.
• Spider mites: These tiny pests are common in many crops and can cause significant damage by sucking the sap out of plants.
• Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small insects that feed on the sap of plants and can transmit viruses to crops. They are particularly common in greenhouse crops.

To control these pests, farmers use a variety of methods, including chemical pesticides, biological controls, and cultural practices such as crop rotation and use of resistant crop varieties. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach that combines different methods to control pests while minimizing the use of chemicals.