Damage from invasive species 'trebling every decade'

Mosquitoes, rats and termites among species that have hitched ride on trade routes, causing at least $1.3tn of damage

The costs of damage caused by invasions of alien species across the world is trebling every decade, research has found.

Mosquitoes, rats, ragweeds and termites are among the species that have hitched a ride on globalised trade routes, bringing disease, crop destruction and damage to buildings. The scientists calculated the costs at $1.3tn (944bn) since 1970, and said even this staggering sum" was likely to be a big underestimate as much damage is unreported.