Invasive Species

Invasive species are plants, animals, or diseases that are accidentally or purposely brought to new places where they don’t naturally belong. These species can grow and spread because they don’t have natural predators. This can seriously hurt the environment, native plants and animals, and even the local economy. Fairfax County is taking steps to manage invasive species, and you can help too!

Stay Informed

Weed Alerts – Blue Ridge PRISM Inc - Find plants to watch for throughout the year.

Squish or Report Spotted Lanternflies - NewsCenter Daily Update - July 17, 2025

Wavyleaf Basketgrass Pest Alert - Visit the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

 

Invasive Species News

Invasive species (plants, animals, or diseases) spread:

  • By Shipping: They can travel in cargo, boxes, or items shipped across countries.
  • Through Vehicles: Cars, boats, trains, and other vehicles can carry them.
  • On Clothing and Shoes: Seeds or small living things can get stuck on clothes and shoes and move to other places.
  • Via Pets and Wildlife: Pets released into the wild or wildlife might spread them to new areas.
  • Using Waterways and Storms: Rivers, streams, and storms can carry them to other regions.

Visit United States Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center for more information.

One example of an invasive species is Running Bamboo. This plant spreads quickly by its roots. It makes dense stands where nothing else can grow. If it crosses onto a neighbor’s property, it can create issues. Since January 2023, Fairfax County homeowners may be fined if bamboo is not removed or contained on their property.

Do not plant running bamboo. Learn how to spot, manage, and remove running bamboo to prevent issues for your yard and your neighbors. Information is available in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

Learn more about the damage it causes, how to contain, remove and dispose of Running Bamboo.

Why It Matters

running bamboo

Invasive species can cause problems in these areas:

  • Environmental
  • Economic
  • Social and Recreational
  • Health
  • Safety
Visit Why It Matters

What You Can Do

Invasive species management volunteers

You can take action in many ways:

  • Be informed and spread the word
  • Prevent the spread and plant native
  • Manage them on your property
  • Volunteer, alone or as a group
  • Report sightings
Visit What You Can Do

Resources

trapa bisponosa

Fairfax County provides tools to help you get involved:

  • Helpful websites
  • Contacts
  • Events and Activities
  • Videos and Podcasts
View Resources

 

HOW DO I ...

Plants

Mile-a-minute with berries
More About Invasive Plants

Animals & Insects

Adult Spotted Lanternfly
More About Invasive Animals

Diseases

Thousand Cankers Disease - Photo By: Troy Kimoto, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Bugwood.org
More About Invasive Diseases

Working Together on Invasive Species

While Fairfax County and its partners actively work to control invasive species, residents play a critical role too. We rely on engaged volunteers to help identify, remove, and prevent the spread of these harmful plants and animals. Learn more about the County's work and find ways to get involved!

Visit Working Together on Invasive Species

Events and Activities

Videos and Podcasts

Countywide Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy

Our work on invasive species helps Fairfax County promote air, water and land quality. Together we can protect our environment and ensure it remains a healthy space for all to enjoy. Learn more and get involved today!

Visit Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy

More About Invasive Species

Species

Invasive Species Home
Plants
Animals & Insects
Diseases

How Do I ...

Recognize
Manage
Find Alternative Plants
Report Sightings
Volunteer or Support
Know my Responsibilities
Get More Information

More About

Why It Matters
What You Can Do
Working Together
IMA volunteers
Invasive removal video
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