What you can do

• The simplest thing anybody can do to help fight invasive species is to not plant, transmit, spread or release an invasive species.
• Educate yourself and keep up to date on the status of these and other pests.
• Check to see if a plant is invasive before planting it.
• Do not empty aquariums or dump houseplants into the wild.
• Be sure to clean your shoes and brush off your clothes after being in an area with invasive species.
• Report any occurrence of invasive species to your local county extension agent, State Forestry Commission office, or to other federal or state natural resource or agricultural agencies.
• Volunteer with natural resource agencies to control invasive species.
• Eradicate or control populations of invasive species on your own land.
• Spread the word; tell your family, friends and neighbors about the dangers of invasive species.
• Be a responsible pet owner. If you can no longer keep your exotic pet, either find another owner or destroy them in the most humane way possible. Many areas have special programs to help you find another home for your pet if you can no longer keep it.
• Pythons, boa constrictors and even anacondas have been in the news lately. This problem is a direct result of people releasing a pet they could no longer care for.
• And last but not least, collect information on invasive species in your area and enter it into EDDMapS!