# Understanding Invasive Species: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/understanding-invasive-species-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/
- Published: 2022-07-13T08:36:36-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

People automatically assume the term invasive species is a bad thing. These plants
and wildlife are not native to the area and can impact the ecosystem. Some may harm
the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/how-cash-crops-are-changing-the-environment/),
but others could help. Here’s how to determine the good, the bad, and the ugly.

![Invasive species](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/
07/oc-gonzalez-xg8z_KhSorQ-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C280&quality=52&ssl=1)

## **What Are Invasive Species?**

An invasive species is a human-introduced nonnative organism that expands beyond
its natural habitat. They often harm the ecosystem they invade, grow and reproduce
quickly, and spread aggressively.

Invasive species can be distributed unintentionally through the shipment of goods.
Sometimes people have them as ornamental plants or release them as pets. Occasionally,
they are purposely introduced to control native species considered pests.

### Why Are Invasive Species Bad?

Invasive species can harm native [wildlife](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/saving-the-wildlife-5-easy-ways-you-can-help/).
They may not have any natural predators or controls, allowing them to breed and 
spread, quickly taking over the area. Local animals haven’t evolved defenses against
the invaders, which can decrease their population.

Here are a few other ways nonnatives can cause harm:

 1. Targeting native species
 2. Competing with local species for food
 3. Bringing in new diseases
 4. Reducing the reproduction of native organisms or killing their young

Invasive species harm the ecosystem as a whole. They can alter the food web by removing
or replacing native nutritional sources. These organisms can also reduce the diversity
of native wildlife. A range of plants and animals ensures the ecosystem is healthy,
and each one has a unique role. Pollinators, such as bees, assist with crop production.
Trees [help the soil absorb](https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/biodiversity/why-is-biodiversity-important/#:~:text=Biodiversity%20is%20essential%20for%20the,also%20value%20nature%20of%20itself.)
rainwater to prevent flooding. Plus, invasive vegetation can change conditions, 
including soil chemistry. 

#### How Can Invasive Species Be Good?

While these creatures can harm the environment, they have hidden benefits. Consider
climate change, which is seen through the increase in global temperatures and more
severe storms. The average surface temperature has [ risen about 0.17 F](https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-us-and-global-temperature#:~:text=Global%20average%20surface%20temperature%20has,within%20the%20contiguous%2048%20states.)
per decade since 1901, which has caused native wildlife to search for more hospitable
habitats.

Plants rely on animals to disperse their seeds by eating or popping them out. Invasive
species can take on this role in areas where native ones are dying out. This loss
[reduces the capacity of plants](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abk3510)
to track climate change by 60%. In addition, these nonnative habitats provide refuge
for wildlife struggling to adapt.

Some nonnative organisms also help the current ecosystem function. For example, 
[butterflies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/reports-monarch-butterfly-population-decline/)
in California spend winters in the non-native eucalyptus tree. Also, in Spain, invasive
catfish act as prey for migratory birds, some of which are endangered. Some invaders
can also help remove harmful native species. Beetles can infest tamarisk trees, 
which consume lots of water and damage habitats.

##### Ways to Manage Invasive Species

Invasive species can provide some benefits, so it’s essential to figure out how 
to control them properly. The overspread of these organisms can cause problems. 
One method is brush cutting, which [ involves trimming back branches](https://blog.diamondmowers.com/managing-invasive-trees)
to access the tree’s trunks and roots.

Another thing to try is mulching. This entails grinding trees into finer materials
for quick decomposition. Consider using a disc or drum mulcher and preventing trees
from resprouting by grinding the stump. This process can slow the spread of invasive
vegetation and keep it under control.

Another way to control invasive [species](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/neighborhood-sewage-pollution-5-ways-to-prevent/)
is through biological prevention. This involves [introducing the natural enemies](https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/control-mechanisms#:~:text=The%20most%20economical%20and%20safest,to%20control%20and%20management%20efforts.)
of invasive organisms to help limit the [infestation](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/09/homeowners-guide-to-eco-friendly-pest-control/).

### Here are a few other methods:

 1. **Chemical:** This method uses pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides.

 * **Cultural:** It involves selecting pest-resistant crops and education about 
   best practices.

 * **Mechanical:** This method includes techniques like mowing, tilling, chopping
   and constructing barriers.

 * **Physical:** This includes hand-pulling, digging, flooding, mulching, and manual
   destruction or removal of nests.

#### **The Complexity of Invasive Species**

People often view the term invasive species as a negative, and these plants and 
animals can indeed harm the native ecosystem. They compete for resources and decrease
the overall native population.

On the other hand, [climate change poses an issue](https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/10/now-that-the-olympics-are-in-rio-it-symbolizes-many-green-issues-for-the-climate-change-debate/),
so nonnative creatures may offer a solution. They can disperse plant seeds and provide
habitats. Sometimes it’s necessary to take the bad with the good, and dealing with
invasive species involves toeing a very fine line.        

### **Bio:**

Jane is the Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co and an environmental writer covering
green technology, sustainability and environmental news.   

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
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