5 Innovative Ways to Thwart Invasive Species in 2024
Can creatures other than homo sapiens sapiens damage nature? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, although humans often play a role in propagating invasive species.
The co-occurring nature of evolution means that different species develop together, forming complex systems. When disruptions occur to these systems, they can shatter the delicate balance that keeps everything functioning normally, leading to death and, in some cases, extinction.
Maintaining the earth’s biodiversity means respecting these systems and how they work together. It requires going beyond snap decision-making and mindfully exploring the effects of certain actions before leaping. Sometimes, humans need to act to correct past mistakes and give all species a chance to thrive.
While determining the best course isn’t always easy, science is working on solutions — including these five innovative ways to thwart invasive species in 2024.
What Are Invasive Species? What Problems Do Invasive Species Create?
Although the term “invasive species” sounds frightening, it refers to everyday plants, animals, fungi, algae and pathogens that evolved in a particular ecosystem. When they’re introduced to a similar ecosystem where they are not native, they can quickly reproduce, out-competing and eventually destroying native species.
Invasive species can affect any ecosystem, whether marine or terrestrial, hot or cold. While you won’t find polar bears at the equator, transporting a species from the jungles of Madagascar to those of Brazil could spell disaster.
One recent example is the spotted lanternfly, recently brought to Berks County, PA, from China. It lacks natural predators and thrives on the equally invasive tree of heaven, much to the chagrin of gardeners and farmers. Although they don’t bite humans and even look rather pretty, they flourish in the absence of natural predators, destroying food and decorative crops.
3 Case Studies in Thwarting Invasive Species and What We Can Learn
Life is an ongoing process of learning from past mistakes. Examining case studies on how innovation has thwarted invasive species in the past gives rise to current best practices. Here are several examples of this genius at work.
1. Using Technology in the Battle
Common reeds overrun many wetland areas across the midwest, choking out native grasses, impairing highway visibility and creating a nightmare for landscaping crews with traditional equipment. Regular mowers can become bogged down in such areas, but using herbicides harms the environment. The Oneida Nation recognized the need to control this growth on their reservation and turned to technology.
They consulted with RC Mowers and invested in an innovative new mower meant to control these reeds in an environmentally safe manner. The mower has an expanded slope mowing capability of up to 50-degrees, letting it tackle areas that would otherwise require hand-clearing. It protects the earth from pesticides while freeing crews to devote time and money elsewhere.
2. Fighting Nature With Nature
Technology isn’t humankind’s only weapon in the battle against invasive species. They also have nature. What makes many species invasive is the lack of natural predators when removed from their native regions. Therefore, introducing an element of predation can restore balance without a single chemical or machine.
For example, officials in Delaware recently traveled to China to obtain two species of predatory wasp to control spotted lanternflies. Chefs all over the world can get in on the fun by serving up invasive species on their menus.
Discouraging Invasive Species Spread: 6 Things Everyone Can Do
Many coordinated efforts to control invasive species come through official channels. That may leave you wondering, “OK, but what can I do to help?”
As it turns out, quite a bit, none of which requires a degree in biology or natural science. A huge part of controlling invasive species is knowing what behaviors lead to their spread. Then, avoid doing those things. Here are six innovative ways to thwart invasive species in 2024.
1. Shop Local
The last few cold weeks of winter are perfect for snuggling by the fire. However, they can bring unintended guests into your home and introduce them to your environment. Invasive species such as the Asian longhorned beetle, the emerald ash borer and spongy moth have spread to new areas after hitching a ride on infested firewood.
Use extreme caution when buying anything made from natural materials, such as wood. Anything with porous surfaces or crevices can harbor insect, small animal or plant life — or their eggs, spores or seeds. If your garden starts to fail after you decorate it with a piece of driftwood brought home from your last vacation, you could have a problem.
Avoid bringing objects from natural areas home as souvenirs. You don’t know what they might contain, and leaving them where they are makes it possible for the next guest to enjoy the beauty. When purchasing goods made from questionable materials, inspect them before bringing them home, clean them if possible and wrap them tightly to prevent infestation during transport.
2. Clean Your Gear
When you come in from the wild, take the time to wash off your gear before returning home. Are you on a long-distance camping trip? Pull through a mobile car wash to rinse down your truck and rig before traveling back across the country. Besides, washing off the mud and muck protects your vehicle’s finish.
Take the same care with all your gear. Rinse any outdoor equipment before transporting it home. Thoroughly launder your clothes and inspect them for stray bits of foliage clinging to them, just as you would for bedbugs.
3. Use Native Bait
Are you going fishing? Bait can slip off the hook, so stick to native species if you use the live stuff. Many lakes, rivers and other water bodies with available angling have bait and tackle shops located on their shores — use this resource.
4. Plant Native Species
You could unintentionally plant invasive species in your garden. For example, the tree of heaven grows nearly anywhere its seed lands, including sidewalk cracks and is notoriously hard for gardeners to stop from spreading all over their lawn. How did it get here? Folks in the late 1700s thought it looked pretty and brought it with them from China.
As much as you might absolutely love a plant you first encounter on vacation, stick to native species for planting. Talk to your local nursery about what varieties work best in your region.
5. Leash and Inspect Your Pets
Any pet owner who has spent hours picking briars and ticks out of their sheepdog’s fur after a hike knows that plants and animals can hitch a ride on Fido. Yes, this means a quick bath is in order before returning from any treks through distant lands.
Furthermore, please consider keeping your kitties indoors. You wouldn’t let your dog roam free because of the risk of coyotes and traffic — why do it to a feline?
Innovative Ways to Thwart Invasive Species in 2024
Species become invasive when people take them from their natural habitats and move them to a similar one. Doing so often results in them reproducing more quickly than native plants, choking them out and destroying biodiversity.
Both technology and nature itself play a role in the battle against invasive species. You, too, can help thwart invasive species in 2024 using the above strategies. Together, we can maintain the earth’s rich diversity of life.
