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June 4, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR asks residents to watch out for invasive species

woods

DES MOINES, Iowa - Gov. Kim Reynolds has declared June as Invasive Species Awareness Month in Iowa.

Invasive species such as the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, spongy moth, and oriental bittersweet pose significant threats to Iowa’s ecosystems by competing with native trees and disrupting habitats.

Iowa's woodlands, wildlands, and waterways attract hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users annually. Unfortunately, invasive species often spread through outdoor gear, shoes, and clothing.

To combat invasive species, residents are encouraged to ensure their yard or garden plants are not invasive, with identification photos and management techniques available on the Iowa DNR website.

They should inspect outdoor equipment for spongy moth egg masses when traveling from quarantined areas, clean boots before and after hiking to prevent seed spread, and use local firewood to avoid transporting pests like the emerald ash borer and Asian longhorned beetle.