Identify, prevent, control
Commonly called “weeds,” exotic invasive species are plants, animals, fungi or other organisms that have been accidentally or intentionally introduced to an area outside of their origin. In their native habitats, these organisms aren’t problems. But moved to new locations where they have no natural controls, they can displace and even destroy their new home’s native flora and fauna. If you care about Missouri’s crops and wildlife, please do what you can to prevent and control the spread of exotic invasive species.
- Learn to identify the bad guys. Use this website and other resources to learn the main exotic invasive species in your area so you can easily recognize and eradicate small populations before they become major problems.
- Don’t give them a chance to spread. “Invaders” often hitch rides on clothing, pets and vehicles. Check and clean shoes, clothing, pets, tires and boats before leaving an area infested with exotic invasive species.
- Learn the most effective control methods.
- Favor native plants and wildlife. Well-established, diverse communities of native plants can resist invaders.
Species to look out for
Plants
Common and Cut-leaved Teasel: Like many of our problem weeds, teasel is an exotic plant that is native to Europe. It was introduced to North America, possibly as early as the 1700s, because the prickly stem was used in the textile industry to raise the nap of woolen cloth. Teasel’s unusual—and by some perspectives, attractive—flower heads have led to its use as a horticultural plant, in flower arrangements and in the craft trade.
Vegetation Management Manual: The purpose of this manual is to provide land managers a compilation of control recommendations from workshop participants as well as from available published and unpublished material on plant species of concern.
Animals (water and land)
Zebra mussels and a related species, quagga mussels: These fingernail-sized, black-and-white striped bivalve mollusks are native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They came to North American waters in international shipping ballast water and were discovered in Lake St. Clair near Detroit in 1988.
Rusty Crayfish: The rusty crayfish is native to parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Michigan but has spread to other states or areas where it can cause problems for other animals and plants. Rusty crayfish were probably spread by anglers who transported them for use as fishing bait.
Asian Longhorned Beetle: In recent years, the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) and other wood-boring beetles have been entering North America in solid wood packing material from Asia. Some of these insects have the potential to become very serious pests of North American forests.
Gypsy Moths: The gypsy moth was introduced to the East Coast in 1869 and since then has been spreading slowly westward. When it arrives, the gypsy moth will be especially devastating to Missouri forests because one of its favorite foods is oak leaves.
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- Forestry for private landowners
- Find out how to manage the forest on your land
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- A variety of information on streams and their watersheds
- Wetlands
- Find details on wetlands management
- Wildlife management
- Learn how to manage the wildlife on your land
