Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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September 25, 2025  in  Olympia
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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

Invasive Species Council Recognizes Leaders

OLYMPIA–The Washington Invasive Species Council recognized three top leaders for achievements in managing and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals at a first-of-its-kind recognition awards ceremony in December. “These are new awards, and they celebrate the contributions of people who are working hard to protect Washington’s rich natural heritage and ensure that non-native […]

December 9, 2024Read More

State Asks Public to Check Trees for Invasive Pests this August

OLYMPIA – Several state agencies are asking the public to take ten minutes this month to check trees in their communities for signs of invasive insects. The Washington Invasive Species Council, Washington State Department of Natural Resources Urban and Community Forestry Program, Washington State Department of Agriculture and Washington State University Extension come together each […]

August 6, 2024Read More
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You see a green, shiny metallic beetle. Haven’t those invasive species people been saying something about that? Why yes we have, but there are shiny metallic green beetles that are native too! The invasive insect we are on the lookout for is the emerald ash borer. Its commonly-reported look-alikes are buprestid beetles, such as the golden buprestid. The golden buprestid has lines and copper colors on the outer wing covers. Conversely, the emerald ash borer has wing covers that are all green (no copper), without lines! As always, if you aren't sure, we would rather you report it, just to be safe.Did you know we have a look-alike guide for emerald ash borer? Check it out! https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/WA-EAB-look-alike-guide.pdf ... See MoreSee Less
❗️BIG NEWS. Do you have big dreams and positive energy? You could be the next Executive Coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species Council! The council is hiring for this critical position, and we are accepting applications now through September 2. We are looking for somebody with policy or management background that will successfully lead the council in the implementation of a new 5-year strategic plan. You will be responsible for fostering cooperation, communication, and coordinated approaches to support local, state, and regional initiatives for the prevention and control of invasive species. If you are driven and passionate about protecting Washington by preventing and stopping invasive species, we want to see your application!! View the complete job description and access the application portal: https://governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/…Please share so that we can spread the word far and wide! ... See MoreSee Less
We’re back with another look-alike for August Tree Check Month! This native beetle (whitespotted pine sawyer, or WPS) is often mistaken for the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB). However, there are several ways to tell them apart. Firstly, the WPS is typically found on sick or dead conifers. ALB will attack healthy, living trees (usually hardwoods). Additionally, WPS has a rough, non-shiny look to their wings, while ALB is quite glossy and shiny (see second picture). Finally, perhaps the easiest way to tell you have a WPS is to look for that light-colored half-circle on their wing covers, just behind the head. ALB does *not* have this marking. If you ever spot a suspected Asian longhorned beetle, please report immediately: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/ ... See MoreSee Less
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