Controlling invasive species is important because we want to keep the environment healthy for us, wildlife, and future generations. These harmful species can wipe out native plants and animals, damage habitat, and lessen species diversity. The spread of invasive species negatively affects the environment, economy, human and animal health and safety. Healthy ecosystems are essential for all living things.
Invasive plants can harm the environment in many ways:
Wintercreeper vines overrun natural areas and choke out native trees.
Invasive animals are a leading reason why many fish and wildlife species have gone extinct around the world. They cause harm because they:
Snakehead fish are aggressive hunters that can harm freshwater ecosystems by eating native fish, frogs, and crayfish.
Tree diseases that spread to new areas can harm native plants and animals because they don’t have natural controls like they would in their original environment. These diseases can destroy native trees and wildlife habitats, causing similar damage as invasive plants.
Beech Bark Disease is a serious condition caused by invasive scale insects and fungal infection.
This disease weakens and kills beech trees, threatening forest ecosystems.
Invasive species—plants, animals, and diseases—cost the United States about $120 billion every year (Pimentel et al. 2005). They cause problems in farming, forestry, fishing, and infrastructure. This slows down economic growth because it:
These higher costs for farming lead to more expensive food for everyone.
Bamboo can spread aggressively outside your property limits and be expensive to get rid of. Photo credit: Joy Viola, Northeastern University, Bugwood.org.
Enjoying Trails and Forests: Invasive species harm the health and beauty of our parks and outdoor spaces. This makes it harder for us to relax, clear our minds, and enjoy nature. They quickly grow so dense that they block access to trails and natural areas.
Protecting Natural Beauty: Native Virginia plants, birds, fish, and other wildlife are competing with invasive species for food and habitat. When native species disappear, we lose the chance to enjoy their beauty. For example, we’ve already lost American Chestnuts and Ash trees. Imagine spring without Virginia bluebells.
Water Recreation: Invasive plants in lakes and streams can make it harder—or less enjoyable—to boat or fish in those places.
Invasive Lesser Celandine overtaking field of native Virginia Bluebells
New Diseases: Deadly health outbreaks have been caused by non-native pests like mosquitoes, rats, and mussels.
Spread of Illness: The rise in Lyme disease has been linked to mice living in invasive shrubs that have taken over local forests.
Impact on Mental Health: When forests are damaged or destroyed by invasive species, we lose peaceful spaces that help relieve stress and support mental, emotional, and physical health. Knowing how invasive species harm our community can also leave people feeling helpless. Find out about how invasive species affect human health and what you can do to help.
Learn more at Invasive Species Human Health Impacts | National Invasive Species Information Center
Red imported fire ant (RIFA) can attack and cause painful stings on humans, pets, and livestock
Falling Trees: Invasive pests, diseases, or plants that smother and strangle trees can weaken or kill them. This makes them unstable and dangerous for people on trails or those living nearby.
Blocked Views: Invasive species can quickly form dense walls of plants. These walls block your view and make it harder to spot potential dangers.
Wisteria walls block views and make it hard to move through open areas.
