Invasive insects and plants may have interesting names, but there is little that’s attractive about these hungry or fast-spreading pests that cross our borders to inflict havoc on Massachusetts agriculture, wetlands, forests and homes.
Massachusetts, which has more invasive insects than any states except New York and Pennsylvania, is waging a continual fight against such destructive insects as the Emerald Ash Borer, Asian Longhorned Beetle and the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
These bugs have significant ecological and economic impact, often attacking the fruit trees, including apples, peaches and pears, which are the lifeblood of Massachusetts commercial orchards.
Over 140 invasive plants, including burning bush and purple loosestrife, are now on the state list of those prohibited for importation or sale.
Greenbelt volunteers have worked to control the spread of water chestnuts where the seeds of a single plant can lead to 120 new ones. Its dense growth tangles boat propellers and depletes oxygen in the water, leading to fish kills.
However, science is leading to some reexamination of Phragmites, an invasive plant known as the common reed, found at Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary in Rowley. The sanctuary is jointly managed by Greenbelt and Mass Audubon.
While the plant blocks sunlight, clogs waterways and spreads a growth-inhibiting chemical, new research indicates it may have some role in protecting salt marsh from the effects of climate change.
You’ve likely seen another common invasive plant with colorful berries (and few redeeming factors) used as a holiday decoration. Oriental Bittersweet, whose vines can grow 60 feet long, is fashioned into wreaths to decorate homes.
Birds eat or carry away the berries and the seeds sprout where they land, invading fields and forests, smothering trees and shrubs. Bittersweet can even strangle and kill mature trees.