Terrestrial Invasive Species in New York State
Shipping crates can contain invasive insects.
Photo: Ethan Angell
NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets
On this page:
Terrestrial invasive species are land-living organisms that negatively impact our communities, fields and forests. They can decrease our enjoyment of nature, increase the cost of living and even put our health at risk.
Methods of Introduction
An unfortunate byproduct of world travel and trade is the introduction of unwanted invasive species. Shipping pallets and crates, luggage, the ballast water of boats and even people can unintentionally transport invasive plants, insects and diseases to new areas. Without knowing that they would become problematic, some species have been introduced intentionally for use in landscaping, agriculture and other purposes.
Impacts of Terrestrial Invasive Species
Invasive species impact all aspects of life, from recreation to livelihood. Spotted knapweed is an invasive plant that can take over crop fields, limiting crop production and feed for livestock. Hemlock woolly adelgid is an invasive insect that defoliates and kills hemlock trees, a key species in maintaining important habitat along waterways. Whether damaging the economy or the environment, invasive species can destroy the places we love and require costly solutions.
Examples of Terrestrial Invasive Species
Learn more about terrestrial invasive species of concern to New York State:
Spongy moth
Photograph credit: Louis-Michel Nageleisen,
Département de la Santé des Forêts - France,
Forestry Images (leaves the DEC website)
- Asian longhorned beetle
- Emerald ash borer
- Eurasian boar
- Giant hogweed
- Spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) - naturalized
- Hemlock woolly adelgid
- Oak wilt
- Sirex woodwasp
- Slender false brome
- Spotted lanternfly
How You Can Help
Prevent the Spread of Terrestrial Invasive Species
There are a lot of ways in which you can make a difference.
Jump to:
General Tips
- Learn about the invasive species in your area. Find you local Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) and visit their website to see what's near you.
- Volunteer with your PRISM to help remove invasive plants, learn about new ones, and or join in another activity they host.
- Report invasive species you find. Visit New York iMapInvasives (leaves DEC website) to learn how.
- Learn how to properly dispose of invasive plant material.
- See something strange in your yard, forest or field? Take pictures, collect specimens and we'll help you identify it at the Forest Health Diagnostic Lab.
- For general invasive species questions, email us at isinfo@dec.ny.gov.
- Familiarize yourself with New York State's invasive species regulations.
Tips for Campers, Hikers, Hunters, and Getting Outdoors
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Seeds from invasive trailside plants often stick to clothing and get stuck in boot treads. Wear outer clothing that is not "seed-friendly." Wool, fleece, Velcro® and other fabrics that seeds easily cling to should be covered by jackets, pants and gaiters* made of smoother materials, like nylon. *Gaiters are garments worn over shoes and the lower part of the leg to protect from water and mud.
Invasive plants can be spread through their
seeds when they stick to clothing and gear. - Avoid wearing footwear with deep tread, which collects plants, mud and other debris. When conditions/terrain call for deep tread, clean footwear thoroughly.
- Remove any seeds from clothing, boots and equipment before and after you go outdoors. Carry a brush, small scissors, and other tools for cleaning clothing/gear. Look for and remove seeds, plant pieces, and insects on:
- Hair and clothing
- Gear and equipment
- Vehicles and trailers
- Dogs, horses, and other animals
- Dispose of debris at designated cleaning stations or waste-disposal areas. If these areas are unavailable, clean in parking lots or driveways where invasive pests are unlikely to spread. Avoid cleaning near waterways; invasive species may spread to new areas downstream.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Invasive insects and diseases spread through the movement of firewood. Before bringing wood with you when camping or vacationing, check NYS's firewood regulation.
- Hunting and possession of Eurasian boar is regulated in NYS. Check NYS's Eurasian boar regulation for more information.
Tips for Gardeners and Landscapers
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Use native plants when gardening and landscaping. Looking for native plant suggestions? Check out our guides to native flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees (PDF). See also our Plante A Consciencia NY brochure, en español.
The native blue flag iris is
a great addition to a garden. - Check the contents of seed mixes and use only those without invasive plants.
- Familiarize yourself with NYS's prohibited and regulated plant species.
- Use a local source of mulch to reduce the possibility of introducing invasive species in your yard.
Additional Resources
- Stop the Spread brochure (PDF) - Printable 8.5 x 11" PDF on above tips
- Cornell IPM's Alternative to Ornamental Plants: A Sustainable Solution for New York State (leaves DEC website)
- Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Center - Native Plants of North America (leaves DEC website)
- NY Flora Atlas (leaves DEC website) - Where you can check if a plant is native to New York State or not
More about Terrestrial Invasive Species in New York State:
- Firewood and Invasive Pests - New York's forests are under attack from numerous invasive exotic insect pests which can be moved around the country on and in firewood.
