Ohio’s diverse ecosystems have been invaded by numerous invasive plant and animal species over the years, These non-native species are disrupting local habitats and harming native wildlife Some of the most problematic invasive species in Ohio are discussed below
Animals Wreaking Havoc
Several invasive animal species are wreaking havoc in Ohio.
Wild Boar
- Native to Asia
- Habitats include mountains and forests
- Omnivorous diet includes fruits, roots, eggs, and snakes
- Disturbs soil and aids invasive plant spread
Round Goby
- Accidentally introduced through ballast water of cargo ships
- Competes with native fish for food and eats their eggs
- Highly resilient and difficult to eliminate
Sea Lamprey
- Believed to have entered through Erie Canal
- Parasitic, attaching to and feeding on trout
- Lack of natural predators enables spread
Zebra Mussel
- Accidentally introduced through transoceanic shipping
- Attaches to and clogs waterways and boats
- Outcompetes native mussels for food
Emerald Ash Borer
- Metallic green beetle lays eggs in tree bark
- Larvae bore and damage ash trees
- Can kill large numbers of urban ash trees
Rampant Plants Overtaking Habitats
Numerous invasive plant species are overtaking Ohio’s natural areas.
Purple Loosestrife
- Introduced ornamental able to self-pollinate
- Creates monocultures crowding out diverse native plants
- Spreads rapidly and difficult to eliminate
Japanese Knotweed
- Introduced ornamental able to self-pollinate
- Grows vigorously as vine or shrub in disturbed areas
- Spreads rapidly creating monocultures
Bush Honeysuckle
- Introduced ornamental shrub from Asia
- Aggressively invades and dominates forest understories
- Prevents regeneration of native trees
Eurasian Watermilfoil
- Introduced aquatic plant, likely as aquarium specimen
- Spreads rapidly forming dense mats in lakes and rivers
- Outcompetes native aquatic vegetation
Garlic Mustard
- Herbaceous plant from Europe
- Invades forests and edges, spreading aggressively
- Toxic to insects, disrupting food chains
Autumn Olive
- Ornamental shrub introduced for erosion control
- Spreads rapidly in disturbed areas and fields
- Prolific seed production enables rampant spread
Solutions to Control Invasive Spread
Many efforts are underway to try controlling established invasive species and prevent new introductions. Solutions include:
- Improved regulations on transport of live organisms
- Public education campaigns
- Early detection and rapid response protocols
- Manual/mechanical control methods
- Judicious herbicide applications
- Biological control agents like predator insects
- Habitat restoration to favor natives
While eradication is difficult, combining multiple control techniques can contain invasive species spread and limit their impacts. Public involvement is critical, as individual actions like not dumping aquarium plants, cleaning boating equipment, and removing invasive plants from gardens can make a difference. Vigilance and persistence are key to protecting Ohio’s native biodiversity.
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Invasive Species in Ohio with Megan
FAQ
What is the most invasive species in Ohio?
Ohio’s most invasive animal is the American bullfrog. The state’s most invasive insect is the black vine weevil.May 10, 2023
What is the #1 most invasive species?
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Feral Cats (Felis catus):Domestic cats that roam freely or are abandoned have a significant impact on native wildlife, preying on birds, mammals, and reptiles.
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European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris):Introduced to North America from Europe, they compete with native birds for resources and can damage crops.
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Cane Toad (Rhinella marina):Introduced to Australia to control cane beetles, they proved to be a disaster, as they are poisonous and outcompete native species.
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Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus):A large, non-native snake that has established populations in Florida, posing a threat to native wildlife.
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Introduced to North America for aquaculture, they outcompete native fish species and can damage infrastructure.
What plants are invasive in Ohio?
- African Oxygen Weed (Lagarosiphon major)
- Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)
- Anchored Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia azurea)
- Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia)
- Arrowleaf False Pickerelweed (Monochoria hastata)
- Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus)
- Asian Marshweed (Limnophila sessiliflora)
Are aquatic invasive species a problem in Ohio?
No waterway, from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, is immune to the negative impacts of aquatic invasive species, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, along with many state and federal partners, are continually monitoring these risks. AIS may live entirely within or partially in an aquatic habitat. Below is a list of some Ohio’s top threats.
Are invasive plants legal in Ohio?
Under the law invasive plants are defined as plant species that are not native to Ohio whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health as determined by scientific studies. After nearly two years of stakeholder outreach, new rules have been established and are effective as of January 7, 2018.
Are vascular plants invasive in Ohio?
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, about 22% (around 500 species) of vascular plants (like grasses, trees or wildflowers) are non-native to Ohio. That seems like a lot, but the good news is that many of these plants are not invasive.
What are invasive species?
Invasive species are nonindigenous plants, animals and microbes that are causing ecological harm by living outside their historic, native range where they evolved to their present form. In their original home ranges, these species have constraints on their ability to spread, such as predators, food availability and other competitive species.
Are carp invasive?
Report any sightings of this invasive insect. Aquatic invasive species include plants and animals living in and degrading the quality of our waterways. There are four species of carp, native to Asia, that are invasive and dangerous to Ohio, Lake Erie, and the Great Lakes system.
What are aquatic invasive species?
Aquatic invasive species include plants and animals living in and degrading the quality of our waterways. Species like zebra mussels, bighead and silver carp, and curlyleaf pondweed are changing the dynamics of our underwater habitats.