Question:
As a gift, I was given a beautiful framed exotic butterfly. After I placed it on a sunny window sill, I was horrified to see white worms crawling around inside the frame! I've heard of invasive insects. Should I throw it out in a garbage bag or what?
Answer: You are smart to ask. The damage done by imported pests is huge; the costs run in the billions annually. Many insect larvae, such as those you are seeing, can chew through plastic bags. Please immerse the entire frame in a bucket of soapy water for a day, then dispose of it, to insure that the larvae - and any hidden eggs - are dead. Thank you for averting a potential disaster. Marylanders have their hands full right now with the newest invasive insect, the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug, in our homes. See our website for help with that one.