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Crop killers: what insects are most harmful to farmers?

Bugs that can decimate crops

Crop killers: what insects are most harmful to farmers?
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StarsInsider
04/08/2026 08:00 ‧ 1 day ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

Agriculture

The United States is currently experiencing an infestation of spotted lanternflies. These invasive insects have a ravenous appetite for more than 70 different species of plants in North America, including grapes. As a result, the

voracious planthoppers are presenting a genuine threat to the American wine industry.

There are countless species of insects that pose a danger to agriculture. These pests can wipe out entire crop yields and spread harmful bacteria. Furthermore, in some areas of the world, this translates as a major threat to food security and rural livelihoods.

The economical impact is staggering. For example, the destruction caused by the Western corn rootworm is such that it results in upwards of US$1 billion annually in combined crop yield losses and management in North America alone.

In this gallery, we list insects that are no friends of farmers, crop killers that can destroy plants sometimes within a matter of days. Click on to continue reading.

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