WISC - Washington Invasive Species Council

Featured Invasives

Northern Giant Hornet

Northern giant hornet is an invasive species from Asia and a known predator of honeybees. Though not typically aggressive to humans, they will attack anything that threatens their colonies, which usually nest in the ground. They can sting multiple times and have powerful venom that can inflict serious injury, or in some cases, death. In late summer through fall, hornets may attack honeybee colonies en masse, resulting in the complete destruction of a healthy colony in a matter of hours. The attack leaves piles of decapitated victims in front of the hive.

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Featured Invasives

Spongy Moth

The spongy moth is one of the worst American forest pest insects. It devours the leaves of more than 500 different species of trees and shrubs and causes enormous enormous damage to the environment and the economy. Most spongy moths are brought to new areas by people, and Washington sees new introductions every year. Eradication efforts of the Washington State Department of Agriculture have presented spongy moths from becoming established here. The department conducts annual surveys to locate new introductions.

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Featured Invasives

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Zebra and quagga mussels are freshwater mollusks that colonize lakes and rivers. Their preferred habitats include the calm waters upstream of dams. They are most abundant on hard, particularly rocky surfaces. They're not in Washington, but they're only a day's drive away. They attach themselves to boats, so if someone uses a boat in an infected lake and then launches the boat in Washington waters, they could be introduced here. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has an early detection program, but everyone’s help is needed to spot them before they become a problem.

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Featured Invasives

Northern Pike

Northern pike are non-native predators of popular sportfish in Washington State. They are a prohibited species in Washington. They reproduce prolifically and primarily prey on fish smaller than themselves, including juveniles of other species. They have been introduced illegally and established populations in eastern Washington, in the Pend Oreille River, the Spokane River, Lake Roosevelt, and a couple of lakes in Spokane County. Recently, northern pike have also been found in Lake Washington after being illegally introduced.

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News

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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Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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Priority Invasive Species

Featured Invasives

Northern Giant Hornet

Featured Invasives

Spongy Moth

Featured Invasives

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Featured Invasives

Northern Pike

News

Governor Declares Invasive Species Awareness Week

Invasive Species Council Recognizes Leaders

State Asks Public to Check Trees for Invasive Pests this August

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