Officials monitoring asian invasion

Owing in part to the rising Asian population in the United States, "lucky bamboo" is becoming increasingly popular. Imports are rising and sales, particularly in large urban centers, are rising.

The plant is reputed to bring peace, harmony and good luck to people. Unfortunately, it also is brings something less desirable.

The Asian tiger mosquito has shown up in Southern California, apparently hitching a ride in the water in which lucky bamboo is shipped. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are monitoring the mosquitoes and have begun using pesticides to treat the imported plants.

Lucky bamboo, or Dracaena sanderiana, is not actually part of the bamboo family.