When you think of invasive species, you may think of insects like the emerald ash borer.
“Emerald ash borer, when it was finally identified, it had already paved a path of destruction for the state’s ash trees, not only in Michigan, but really across the nation.”
Jennifer Holton is the Communications Director with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She says invasive species rarely have natural predators or other means of controlling them, which is why its important residents do their part to stem the spread.
“And it doesn’t just have to be a bug of some sort. It can be a plant. It can be another pathogen that are just not native to the state of Michigan.”
There are several ways residents can help. One of the biggest is buying heat-treated wood or buying wood where you burn it to avoid transporting insects or tree diseases that may be hitchhiking on untreated wood. Also…
“Looking at all of your shoes, clothing, gear, vehicles, to make sure they are pest and seed free, especially when you’re traveling from one spot to another.”
You can find more tips and an up-to-date list of current invasive species at Michigan.gov/invasives
