A new invasive pest has been discovered, confirmed by Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper. The pest, known as a pasture mealybug, affects warm season grasses and can cause major damage. It was found at a turfgrass business.

The state's Plant Protection Division received notice of a possible detection and sent samples for testing. The results confirmed the presence of the pasture mealybug.

Further details about the discovery and its implications are available from the source. The pasture mealybug is considered a serious threat and can spread quickly.