Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

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September 24, 2026  in  Olympia
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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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If we had the confidence of an invasive species, we’d achieve all of our dreams. Take the spongy moth, for example. It has the moxie to claim “forest transformation specialist” on its LinkedIn profile. That’s because it has the resume to back that up. Spongy moths can cause catastrophic damage to hundreds of tree and shrub species. They alter wildlife habitats and affect the quality of life in communities that experience repeated outbreaks. One introduction can lead to years of costly impacts.You can help reduce the moth’s experience and force it to find a new occupation by:- Watching for egg masses on back on cars, recreation vehicles, and outdoor supplies. When freshly laid, the masses are buff colored, resembling small piles of saw dust and get paler as they age.- Following state firewood quarantine rules and plan to buy firewood where you will burn it. Spongy moth lay up to a thousand eggs in firewood that then “chill” during winter and hatch in spring.Channel the spongy moth’s confidence—NOT their consequence!Learn more about spongy moths and how you can help stop the spread: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/lymantriids/ Photo courtesy of USDA ... See MoreSee Less
In a perfect world, we’d have adorable, grub-loving characters that eat all the European chafer grubs in our yards, ensuring “no worries.” That’s not how it works though. We have to manage this established pest ourselves.European chafer grubs can eat the roots of your grass, resulting in visible dead patches that no homeowner wants to see. They also feast on wheat, which poses major risks to our agricultural industry. You can help limit the grub’s impact and spread by:- If traveling to infested areas, checking all nursery plant purchases and follow inspection rules at the border to prevent this pest from expanding its range.- Contacting your local master gardener association or the Washington State University Extension office for tips on grub management. They’ll have the best advice for lawn treatment options and prevention. (which probably won’t include sending two wise cracking animals to eat the grubs)Learn more about European chafer and report new infestations: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/european-chafer/Photo courtesy of WSDA ... See MoreSee Less
While you’re out there taking pics of Jimothy, put those paparazzi skills to use and report invasive species that you see. It helps our economy and ecology and can make Jimothy’s life better. Raccoons are a native species that play an important role in Washington’s ecosystems, but invasive pests and plants can affect them by degrading their habitat and eliminating their food sources. Spongy moth and emerald ash borer can destroy Jimothy’s home (aka our forests) and invasive plants like kudzu, knotweeds, and knapweeds can outcompete native plants and reduce the availability of Jimothy’s food sources (bugs, worms, and more).Help us make sure Jimothy thrives and invasive species don’t. Report invasive species sightings using our WA Invasives app or online form: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/ ... See MoreSee Less
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