WISC - Washington Invasive Species Council

Featured Invasives

Asian Giant Hornet

Asian 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

Gypsy Moth

The gypsy 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 gypsy 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 gypsy 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

Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington Goes Virtual

OLYMPIA–Govenor Jay Inslee, in partnership with the Washington Invasive Species Council, has proclaimed February 22 through February 28 as Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington. Invasive species threaten our economy, environment, recreation opportunities and can even harm our health,” Inslee said. “I’m calling on everyone who loves this state we call home to become aware of […]

February 16, 2021Read More

Washington State Council Updates Statewide Strategy to Prevent Invasive Species

The Washington Invasive Species Council approved an updated statewide strategy to prevent invading plants and animals from taking hold in the state’s forests, waters and farms. The strategy calls for a broad range of actions focusing on preventing new species from establishing here, educating the public and rapidly deploying when species are found to prevent […]

January 27, 2021Read More

COVID-19 Update: Staff Working Remotely

Staff of the Washington Invasive Species Council are working remotely to help avoid the possible spread of the coronavirus. Our staff will be checking e-mails and telephone messages regularly. You may find contact information for staff online. We are working to continue normal operations as much as possible. Our employees are very mobile and often […]

January 21, 2021Read More

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Protecting Washington's Environment and Economy from Harmful Invasive Species

Next Council Meeting

Invasive Species Awareness Week

On-Demand Webinar Library

Washington’s Urban Forest Pest Readiness Plan

Featured Invasives

Asian Giant Hornet

Featured Invasives

Gypsy Moth

Featured Invasives

Quagga and Zebra Mussels

Featured Invasives

Northern Pike

News

Invasive Species Awareness Week in Washington Goes Virtual

Washington State Council Updates Statewide Strategy to Prevent Invasive Species

COVID-19 Update: Staff Working Remotely

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