Insects never seen before in US intercepted by Customs at LA airport

Destructive insects intercepted at LA airport

LOS ANGELES — Customs inspectors at Los Angeles International Airport have found harmful insects that have never been seen in the country before while checking out a shipment of fresh-cut flowers from South Africa.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesman Jaime Ruiz said Friday the insects from the aphids family are considered an agricultural threat because they attack grain crops, fruit and vegetables.

Ruiz said the insects have been destroyed.