What are the most invasive species in Tennessee? Here's what we found out

There are just some things that insert themselves where they are unwanted, and when plants and animals insert themselves into areas they aren't supposed to be in it can damage an ecosystem.

Tennessee and every other state has animals, plants and insects that aren't native to the region that they have taken up residence in. An invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to a state and has a tendency to spread, which may cause damage to the environment, to the economy, or to human health.

Two of the most common invasive species that most people in the South know about are kudzu and the red imported fire ant, but there are plenty more in Tennessee.

Here's a look at the most invasive insects, animals and plants in the state.

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What is an invasive species?

Non-native plants, animals, algae, fungus, or disease-causing microorganisms are capable of causing severe damage to the economy, environment and human health, once they invade enough area outside their normal habitat, according to the U.S. Forest service.

According to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, some newly introduced species like kudzu and musk thistle have few natural controls to keep their growth in check. Some can be eradicated at great expense, others can only be controlled.

Most invasive animals in Tennessee

USA Today used aggregated data from Federal and State agencies, and individual reports to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia, and was able to compile the most invasive species in every state as of May 2023.

1. Pig (feral), wild boar at large: 85%

2. Shovel-headed garden worm: 15%

3. American bullfrog: 14 %

4. European starling: 6%

5. Multiline hammerhead worm: 4%

Most invasive insects in Tennesse

1. Japanese beetle: 98%

2. Kudzu bug: 76%

3. Southern pine beetle: 76%

4. Fire ants: 66%

5. Brown marmorated stink bug: 63%

Most invasive plants in Tennessee

The University of Georgia's Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health also keeps track of reports of invasive plants found in different states. Here are the top five in Tennessee and the number of reported identifications.

Ways to prevent the spread of invasive species

• Avoid planting invasive ornamental plants on your property, use native alternatives instead.

• Learn how to properly remove and control the invasive plants around your property.

• Report invasive species infestations to your local, county, state or federal government agency.

• Do not dump aquariums or houseplants into the environment (such as lakes, streams, rivers, ponds or other natural areas).

• When traveling, make sure to clean your clothes, boat, animals and gear off afterward to prevent the spread of invasive species to other areas.

• Do not collect invasive plants, their seeds or reproductive bodies.

• Do not carry firewood long distances.

• Use only invasive-free (weed-free) forage/hay when feeding livestock in national forests.

USA Today contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN invasive species: Animals, insects that have taken up residence