Tree check! Spotting invasive pests early with Tricia Bethke
From Everyday Environment Podcast by Abigail Garofalo, Amy Lefringhouse, Erin Garrett
April 23, 2026 · 50 min · Episode 182
About this episode
The episode discusses the threat of invasive pests to forests and how to identify them.
Everyday Environment talks with Tricia Bethke, Illinois’ Forest Pest Outreach Coordinator, about the growing threat of invasive pests. We explore how these pests are impacting our forests, what a “tree check” looks like, and which warning signs to watch for in your own yard and community. Learn More Invasive insects Spotted Lanternfly reporting via email: lanterfly@illinois.edu Elm zigzag sawfly Share your own Everyday Observation Was there something about this topic we didn’t cover? See something cool in nature? Let us know! Send us your question or share your everyday nature observation with us at go.illinois.edu/EEconnect , and we may share it in a future blog or podcast. Questions? We'd love to hear from you! Abigail Garofalo aeg9@illinois.edu , Erin Garrett emedvecz@illinois.edu , Amy Lefringhouse heberlei@illinois.edu Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our Blog See the Everyday Environment Archives
People in this episode
Hosts: Abigail Garofalo, Erin Garrett, Amy Lefringhouse
Guest: Tricia Bethke
Topics covered
- invasive pests
- forest health
- tree check
- environmental observation
- pest identification
Keywords
- invasive pests
- tree check
- forest health
- Spotted Lanternfly
- Elm zigzag sawfly
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Illinois’ Forest Pest Outreach
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