Invasive Species Reporting – Be A Citizen Scientist
When it comes to preventing nuisance and threatening pests from becoming a problem in and around homes and businesses in Michigan, the best defense is a good offense.
The Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) is a regional effort to develop and provide an early detection and rapid response resource for invasive species that threaten public health, structures or crops.
Led by researchers from Michigan State University, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the program’s goal is to assist both experts and citizen scientists in the detection and identification of invasive pest species to support successful management strategies.
Whether you are a pest management professional or a citizen scientist with an interest in pests and the environment, MISIN is right up your alley.
To report invasive species you must complete the no-charge registration process on the MISIN website – www.misin.msu.edu or download the MISIN app on your mobile phone.
Once registered you can report invasive species sightings in your area and have the ability to interactively map targeted invasive species occurrences. The MISIN mapping service allows users to navigate the project area and screen digitize species occurrences with the aid of statewide digital imagery.
Contributors can select from various search types including by date, species, geography, project or contributor. Search results will be displayed for both the state of Michigan and across the United States.
Not sure exactly what type of invasive pest you have spotted in your backyard or in the kitchen of your restaurant? Not a problem. The MISIN website offers registered users more than 40 online species identification training modules to help budding pest sleuths properly identify the insect they have encountered.
The invasive species education modules will help you become more comfortable with identifying these species in the field and are recommended before contributing information to the database. Each module, which takes about 15 minutes to complete, includes a short ten question quiz at the end to help you assess your newly acquired knowledge.
Participating in the MISIN program will help prevent and eliminate harmful invasive pest species from threatening residents, crops and structures across Michigan. The information gathered helps the participating agencies identify trouble areas and work with the appropriate experts – including the professional pest management industry – to develop and execute control programs when and where they are needed.
If you have questions on the MISIN program visit www.misin.msu.edu or call or e-mail Griffin Pest Solutions at 888/547-4334 or callcenter@https://www.griffinpest.com/.
