A new invasive pest has been discovered, posing a threat to warm season grasses. The pasture mealybug, an invasive insect, can spread quickly and cause major damage. It affects annual and perennial grasses.

The discovery was made at a turfgrass business. Samples were sent to a laboratory for testing and confirmation, which came back positive.

Further details about the discovery and its implications are available from the state's agriculture department and other sources, including the University of Georgia entomology partners who first reported the possible detection.