Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

Learn About Priority Species

Next Council Meeting

July 16, 2026  in  Olympia
See All Meetings

Invasive Species Awareness Week Was February 23-27

Learn What Washington is Doing to Prevent the Spread of Invasive Species

Watch the Recorded Webinars

Educational Materials

Learn More

Priority Invasive Species

Learn More

News

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
All News

Facebook Feed

Happy Fourth of July!Whether you're heading to a lake, campground, beach, or backyard barbecue, remember: some species take "freedom of movement" a little too seriously.Invasive species can use our outdoor gear, boats, vehicles, and even our bodies to spread across our state.Help protect Washington's lands and waters:• Clean, Drain, Dry all types of watercraft • Practice Play, Clean, Go with your gear, pets, and vehicles• Buy firewood where you burn it• Don't release pets or plants into the wild• Report unusual species through the WA Invasives app or online form: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/ ... See MoreSee Less
Although the spotted lanternfly is not currently in Washington state, its arrival would be devastating to our specialty crops and trees including cherries, apples, and hops.As if that wasn’t enough to worry about, the spotted lantern fly leaves behind a waste excretion called “honeydew” that’s a sticky substance where black sooty mold can grow and further damage trees. Honeydew may also lead to increased activity of ants, bees, and wasps who feed on it.Spotted lanternfly adults can fly, but often it invades new areas through transportation by humans. Adults prefer to feed and lay eggs upon tree of heaven, a Class C noxious weed in Washington. Always clean your outdoor gear, don’t move firewood, and avoid planting tree of heaven on your property to keep this invasive species from damaging Washington’s natural and agricultural resources.Learn more: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/spotted-lanternfly/Photo courtesy of Lawrence Barringer/Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture ... See MoreSee Less
Spotted knapweed is one of Washington's most aggressive invasive plants. It crowds out native vegetation, reduces plant diversity, increases soil erosion, and can make pastures, wildlife habitat, and recreational lands less healthy and less enjoyable.The bad news? Knapweed comes back year after year and can spread quickly if left unchecked. The good news? Prevention works.If you're visiting an area with known knapweed infestations, clean mud, seeds, and plant material from your boots, clothing, pets, and equipment before leaving. Those tiny hitchhikers can start new infestations miles away.Already have knapweed on your property? Small patches can be removed by hand if the entire root system is removed. Bag plants immediately and dispose of them in the trash—pulled plants can still produce viable seeds. Be prepared for follow-up treatments, as controlling established infestations often takes several years.Learn more about spotted knapweed and find management resources: https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/knapweeds/Photo courtesy of Marisa Williams/University of Arkansas ... See MoreSee Less
View Facebook Page