The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) —From waterways to farms, invasive species are steadily encroaching on Virginia landscapes, disrupting ecosystems and causing financial losses.
According to the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group, invasive plants, animals and microbes can cost the U.S. up to $120 billion per year. In Virginia, damages exceed $1 billion as they degrade crops, pasture and forestlands, clog waterways, spread diseases, and destroy trees in both rural and urban communities.
While National Invasive Species Awareness Week, held February 23-27, highlights the threats invasive species pose and promotes prevention, managing them is a year-round effort.
“Invasive weeds and insects compete with crops for sunlight, water and nutrients, causing significant yield and quality reductions,” said Tony Banks, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation senior assistant director of agriculture, development and innovation. “Some invasive plants are toxic to livestock, while insects can introduce new diseases to livestock and poultry. Invasive diseases and pathogens can devastate crops and orchards, and force farmers to produce alternate commodities.”
Some invasive pests of concern in Virginia include the spotted lanternfly, imported fire ant, and emerald ash borer. Affecting residents, farmers and foresters, these pests can harm valuable crops like grapes and stone fruits, pose a danger to farmers, livestock and equipment in fields, and kill thousands of ash trees.
Additionally, invasive plants like the Callery—or Bradford—pear tree, fountain grass, wavyleaf grass and two-horned trapa are outcompeting native plants and disrupting wildlife habitat and food sources.
When spotting potential invasives, Kevin Heffernan of the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group said to look for organisms and plants that “don’t play nice with others.
“When you see one species dominating an area, it’s probably going to turn out to be invasive,” he said.
To help slow the spread, Virginians are encouraged to stay informed about species currently being monitored and controlled, and to report sightings. If living in an area with an invasive species infestation, follow any active quarantines. Always use caution when moving materials like outdoor furniture, equipment, vehicles, hay, firewood, potted plants, mulch and soil to avoid unintentionally introducing invasives to new areas.
Many insects, especially spotted lanternflies and imported fire ants, hitchhike to new areas, and landowners are encouraged to contact their local Extension office for control recommendations.
Invasive weeds can be carefully pulled or treated with herbicides, and when planning landscaping and spring gardens, consider using native cultivars. Alongside promoting biodiversity, native plants also are adapted to local climate and soil conditions.
“We like to say, ‘Pull invasive weeds, plant native seeds,’” Heffernan commented.
To learn more about mitigation efforts for invasive species threatening Virginia, visit invasivespeciesva.org, the Virginia Department of Consumer Services, or contact your local Extension office.
