Many invasive species, insect pests, and pathogens in the Central Hardwoods region will increase or become more damaging.

A warming climate is allowing some invasive plant species, insect pests, and pathogens to survive farther north than they had previously. One particular emerging threat to the region is the southern pine beetle, which attacks shortleaf and other pines. Oak decline, a disease complex brought about by droughtand other stressors, is expected to become a larger problem in the red oak group as droughts become longer and more widespread. Some drought- and fire-tolerant invasive plants, such as sericea lespedeza, may also benefit from projected climate changes. In addition, a warming climate may make conditions more favorable for invasive species that are currently invading from south of the area, such as kudzu.