Timon Williamson

The pink hibiscus mealybug, which has destroyed crops and ornamental plants throughout the Caribbean, was recently detected in a 5-mile section of rural Portland parish, according to Timon Williamson, a senior research director with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

"It hasn't spread outside of this small area.But we need to get it under control quickly to prevent a potentially damaging impact," Williamson said.

He said Jamaican agriculture authorities plan to release thousands of tiny parasitic wasps to eradicate the pests after completing negotiations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which raises the parasites in laboratories.