exotic pests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exotic pests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to non-native species that are harmful to local ecosystems, agriculture, or human health. Example: "The introduction of exotic pests has led to significant declines in native plant populations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Exotic pests are nothing new.

The New York Times

"There's just this huge trend, and a large fraction of plants that have exotic pests could be particularly damaging," he added.

The New York Times

He was the author or co-author of over 200 scientific publications, and in 1989 he edited "Eradication of Exotic Pests: Analysis With Case Histories".

The New York Times

The Agriculture Department, which is charged with protecting natural resources from exotic pests and diseases, has traditionally considered worms innocent until proved guilty.

The New York Times - Science

Even azaleas and other backyard staples, along with common bedding plants like petunias, can harbor exotic pests that may spread to alternate hosts, said Sandy Liebhold, an entomologist with the federal Forest Service and an author of the study.

The New York Times

On the Case of the Alien Invaders EXOTIC pests -- non-native species that find their way into unprotected environments and wreak havoc -- are a problem across the United States and around the world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Helmut Lang showed knitted tanks that looked half-eaten by some exotic pest.

The New Yorker

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is a destructive exotic pest of North American ash (Fraxinus sp).

Crop Protection

"It is like an exotic pest – it's the cane toad of salmonella," Victoria's chief health officer, Brett Sutton, said about the strain.

The Guardian

As capuchin monkeys are not found in the wild in Australia, they are officially classed as an exotic pest and have to receive special permission for their import.

The Guardian

Now, an experimental effort to save the trees has pitched Mianus River Gorge into the center of a debate on the problem of exotic pest control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience. For general audiences, "invasive species" might be more accessible, while "exotic pests" is suitable for scientific or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming all "exotic pests" have the same impact. Clearly define the specific harm caused by the pest in question to avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exotic pests" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific category of organisms that are both non-native and harmful. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

56%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exotic pests" correctly identifies non-native species that cause harm, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in scientific and news contexts to inform about ecological and economic threats. While grammatically sound, consider context when choosing between "exotic pests" and broader terms like "invasive species". Specificity and clarity are key when using this phrase to avoid overgeneralization and ensure effective communication. Alternatives like "invasive alien species" or "non-native nuisance species" offer nuanced options for conveying similar meanings. Always describe the harm caused by the pest in question to provide context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

invasive alien species

Replaces "exotic" with "alien" and adds "species" for clarity and emphasis on invasiveness.

non-native nuisance species

Substitutes "exotic" with "non-native" and "pests" with "nuisance species", softening the negative connotation.

introduced harmful organisms

Uses more general terms like "organisms" and emphasizes the harmful effect rather than origin.

foreign plant diseases

Focuses specifically on plant diseases of foreign origin.

imported agricultural threats

Highlights the agricultural impact and the source of introduction.

alien wildlife invaders

Emphasizes the wildlife aspect and uses the term "invaders" to convey a sense of aggression.

transnational ecological disruptors

A more formal and scientific phrasing, emphasizing the ecological impact.

non-indigenous vermin

Replaces "pests" with "vermin", creating a more negative tone.

newly arrived damaging organisms

Focuses on the recent arrival and the damage caused.

geographically displaced pests

Highlights the displacement aspect of the pests' origin.

FAQs

What are some examples of "exotic pests"?

Examples of "exotic pests" include the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and hemlock woolly adelgid. These species are not native to the areas they infest and cause significant ecological or economic damage.

What's the difference between "exotic pests" and invasive species?

"Exotic pests" refers specifically to non-native species that cause harm, while "invasive species" is a broader term for any non-native species that establishes itself and spreads, potentially causing harm.

How does international trade contribute to the spread of "exotic pests"?

International trade can unintentionally introduce "exotic pests" to new environments through the movement of goods, plants, and other materials. These pests can then establish themselves and cause ecological or economic damage.

What can I do to prevent the spread of "exotic pests"?

To prevent the spread of "exotic pests", you can avoid importing plants or animals from other regions without proper inspection, support local efforts to monitor and control invasive species, and report any suspected infestations to the appropriate authorities.