Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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December 3, 2026  in  TBA
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Invasive Species Awareness Week Was February 23-27

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New Guide to Combat Ash Tree-Destroying Insect

A new guide to help Washington landowners and land managers detect and limit the spread of an invasive, wood-boring beetle that attacks and kills ash trees is now available thanks to the collaborative effort of state and federal agencies. Native to eastern Asia, the emerald ash borer first appeared in the United States in 2002 […]

May 19, 2026Read More

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 23-27 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week, recognizing the ongoing threat invasive plants, animals and pathogens pose to the state. “Invasive species continue to threaten Washington’s lands, waters and communities,” Ferguson said. “Everyone—from students to farmers to outdoor enthusiasts—has a part […]

February 10, 2026Read More

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week

OLYMPIA–Gov. Bob Ferguson, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 24-28 as Washington Invasive Species Awareness Week in solidarity with National Invasive Species Awareness Week. “Invasive species and noxious weeds already are a big problem in Washington and species that have yet to reach our state could pose even greater challenges […]

February 10, 2025Read More
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Stop! It's time for a sniff check . . .Aquatic invasive species detection dogs have a very important job to do. They can sniff out tiny larvae of quagga, zebra, and golden mussels that people can't even see! These microscopic hitchhikers can cause hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to aquatic infrastructure and ecosystems if they reach Washington waters. That's why it is important to fully clean, drain, and dry your boats, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, and anything else that enters the water.When you stop at watercraft inspection stations, you might even get to meet a canine member of Washington's aquatic invasive species unit! Help our furry friends do their job, and learn more about proper boating practices and the importance of Clean, Drain, Dry at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/campaigns/clean-drain-dry/Photos courtesy of Ted S. Warren, The Associated Press ... See MoreSee Less
For spotted lanternflies, a tree of heaven is the perfect hotel to check in to—and never check out. This invasive plant is a favorite host of the spotted lanternfly, partially because they both come from the same place in Asia. A tree of heaven is the ideal place for a spotted lanternfly to eat, lay eggs, and spread its population. It’s like getting a taste of home while traveling! (such a lovely taste)Spotted lanternflies also eat native plants and crops like fruit trees, threatening agriculture and forest health. Let’s keep these destructive pests from checking in to Washington by controlling tree of heaven, which frequently grows in suburban and urban areas along roads, fences, buildings, and recently disturbed land. Learn how identify and report this invasive plant at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/weeds/tree-of-heavenPhotos courtesy of Lawrence Barringer, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bugwood.org, and A. Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry ... See MoreSee Less
Does your crush get way too competitive and (k)not know how to share space? Uh oh! That might not be your crush, it might be. . . invasive Japanese Knotweed!Japanese knotweed grows quickly and crowds out native plants that hold soil in place, which contributes to erosion and habitat degradation around rivers and streams. If you think you’ve spotted these red flags, take a photo and report it. Learn more about Japanese knotweed and how to report a sighting at https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/japanese-knotweed/Photos courtesy of Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org ... See MoreSee Less
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