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Invasive Species

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Announcements

Invasive plant pathogen that causes sudden oak death confirmed in Lincoln City

Phytophthora ramorum, which causes the disease commonly known as sudden oak death, was confirmed in Lincoln City, Oregon. The public can help prevent the spread of P. ramorum by buying healthy plants from reputable nurseries and avoiding purchasing plants online. Read more...
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Latest Resources

Releasing snakes for rodent control?

Q: My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Emerald Ash Borer - A New Invasive Pest

A 10-Minute University guest presentation by Dr. Gail Langellotto, Professor of Horticulture at Oregon State University about Emerald Ash Borer.

Gail Langellotto | Oct 2022 | Video Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Solve Pest Problems

Learn research-based, safe, and effective tactics for common garden and property pests and weeds. We provide non-chemical methods alongside the most effective and least toxic chemical options available, to reduce risk to people and the environment. Solve Pest Problems is a partnership between OSU and Oregon stakeholders to provide a user-friendly online resource to help urban and rural property managers to solve pest problems.

Weston Miller | Oct 2022 | Online resource Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Controlling Invasive Plants

Some common garden plants have become invasive pests in wild habitats. In Oregon, these invasives include some favorites such as English ivy and butterfly bush.

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Invasive Insects

Spotted lanternfly resources

The spotted lanternfly is an invasive pest in the United States that was first detected in 2014 in Pennsylvania. It is a pest of numerous cultivated and wild hosts. It can cause serious damage to apples, grapes, stone fruit, landscape trees, and others and can be a nuisance pest in urban areas.This page offers an introduction to the pest, photos of each part of the insect's life cycle, and detailed videos for more information.

Dr. Surendra Dara | Apr 2021 | Online resource Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Emerald Ash Borer resources

Learn how to identify the emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle and ash trees, what you can do and ways Oregonians are planning for and preventing the spread of this destructive insect.

Aug 2022 | Collection

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

Information and resources about the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), an invasive

Nik Wiman, Rick Hilton, Clive Kaiser, Vaughn Walton, Rachel Suits, David Lowenstein, Victoria Skillman, Heather Andrews | Dec 2018 | Collection

Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD)

Information and resources about monitoring, identification, and management of spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly.

Vaughn Walton, Linda Brewer, Bernadine Strik, Patricia A. Skinkis, Peter Shearer, Jana Lee, Man-Yeon Choi | Dec 2018 | Collection

Northern giant hornet resources

Information from the Washington State Department of Agriculture about the Northern giant hornet (formerly Asian giant hornet).

Oregon Master Beekeeper Program

Bronze Birch Borer

Information on the bronze birch borer from the Pacific Northwest Pest Management Handbook.

Jul 2018 | Online resource

Oregon Forest Pest Detector

Oregon Forest Pest Detectors (OFPDs) are volunteers that help prevent the damaging impacts of invasive forest pests by monitoring for and reporting potential infestations. They are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of invasive forest insects. OFPDs apply these skills in their day-to-day activities as arborists, parks managers, foresters, community tree stewards, Master Gardeners and other roles.

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Aquatic Invasive Species

Zebra & Quagga Mussels Species Guide

This guide provides in depth information on invasive zebra and quagga muscles. It is a companion resource to the Menace to the West an invasive species curriculum. Appropriate for grades 8-12.

Samuel Chan, Tania Siemens, Rick Cooper | Mar 2021 | Online resource

Pest alert: Invasive zebra mussels arrive in Oregon in "moss" balls sold for aquariums

Pest alert! The highly invasive Zebra mussel has made it into Oregon through moss balls, popular among aquarium hobbyists and commonly sold in pet stores. Invasive species experts say the moss balls should be destroyed.

Adriene Koett-Cronn, Samuel Chan | Mar 2021 | Article

Latest News

New Extension website helps solve pest and disease problems

Solve Pest and Weed Problems focuses specifically on the Pacific Northwest and prioritizes low-risk approaches.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 10, 2022 | News story

Large increase of brown marmorated stink bugs poses serious threat to Oregon crops

It’s unclear why the population of brown marmorated stink bug exploded this year. Like other insects, the population of the shield-shaped brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) varies from year to year depending on climatic factors.

Kym Pokorny | Nov 9, 2022 | News story

Releasing non-native fish to control mosquitoes is often ineffective and harmful to environment

"Do-it-yourself” solutions aren’t effective for mosquito control, and they aren’t good for the environment.

Chris Branam | Jul 29, 2022 | News story

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Meet Our Experts

Samuel Chan
Watersheds & Aquatic Invasive Species
David C. Shaw
Extension Forest Health Specialist, Professor in Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management, Director, Swiss Needle Cast Cooperative
Dan Stark selfie
Dan Stark
Forestry and Natural Resources, Assistant Professor of Practice
Vaughn Walton
Entomologist
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Have a question? Ask an Expert!

Ask an Expert is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Releasing snakes for rodent control?

Q: My backyard got invaded by gophers (or someone who enjoys making holes). I'm worrying that I might injure myself in the holes. I have tried setting traps, but have been unsuccessful. I heard some snakes can kill gophers, but I'm also aware not to release invasive creatures. What do you recommend?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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