Take Action - Georgia Invasives

What Can I Do?

What can I do to combat invasive plants?

Be able to identify your plants

Many invasive plants have native look-alikes. Learning basic plant features makes identification easier.

Choose native plant alternatives

Native plants support local habitats and wildlife, require less maintenance, and can save money.

Watch out for invasive hitchhikers

Hitchhikers travel unintentionally by attaching to people, pets, tools, or vehicles.

Have care if you share with others

When sharing plants or tools, take steps to avoid spreading invasives to new areas.

Use safe seed, soil, and mulch mixes

Buy from reputable sources. Paying more upfront is cheaper than managing invasives later.

Take care with aquatic plants

Invasive aquatics clog waterways, harm wildlife, shade native plants, and reduce oxygen levels.

Monitor new sprouts & volunteers

Many invasives are pioneer species and quickly establish in disturbed areas.

Properly dispose of invasives

Check for seeds, fruits, or cuttings that could resprout. Bag, burn, or treat as recommended.

Can't remove it? Keep it contained

If you choose to keep an invasive plant, prevent its spread through pruning and root barriers

Spread the word about awareness

Awareness is one of our best defenses; the more people know, the more we can do to stop the spread.

What can I do to combat invasive animals?

Don't move firewood

Pests and eggs can go unnoticed on firewood. Buy and burn firewood locally to reduce speed.

Dispose of aquariums properly

Even microscopic life stages of animals can survive and spread and start infestations.

Clean, drain, & dry your equipment

Invasive species can remain on equipment 30 days after water use.

Surrender pets - do not release

Surrender to the retailer, another pet owner, or contact your local extension agent for advice.

Report when you spot a new species

Report invasive species using EDDMapS or notify your local extension agent.

How Do I Take Action?

The best way to stop invasive species is prevention. By taking care and taking part in simple “dos” and “don’ts”, you can make a difference and impact change.
Several national campaigns are in place to help educate and create awareness on where and how citizens can help control and prevent invasive species. Take time, be alert, and do your part.

Play, Clean, Go

Keep the adventure, leave the invasive species

REMOVE plants, animals and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicle.
CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site.
STAY on designated roads and trails.
USE CERTIFIED or local firewood and hay.

Clean, Drain, Dry

Clean, Drain, Dry… After every waterbody, every time.

CLEAN off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from all equipment before leaving water access.

Rinse equipment and boat hulls (with high pressure, hot water when possible).
Rinse interior compartments of boats with low pressure, hot water (120°F).
Flush motor with hot water (120°F) for 2 minutes (or according to owner’s manual).

DRAIN motor, bilge, livewell, and other water containing devices before leaving water access.

DRY everything for at least five days OR wipe with a towel before reuse.

Don’t Move Firewood

Buy it where you’ll burn it.

Don’t move wood from long distances – it can potentially transport invasive species.

Don’t Let it Loose

Releasing a Pet to the Wild is Never the Right Thing.

Pets don’t have the capability to survive in the wild. They may suffer with lack of food and shelter or become a meal for a predator. If they do survive, they become an invasive species where native wildlife may not have the defenses to compete. Rehoming options are available in the National Home to Home platform.

National Invasive Species Information Center

The gateway to invasive species information; covering federal, state, local, and international sources.