Managing an Infestation

What is the best way to manage invasive species? In short, “it depends." Numerous control options are available and selecting the appropriate technique will depend on a number of key factors including the species, site conditions, and your management goal. For up-to-date, comprehensive guidance for managing infestations on your property, download, use, and share APIPP's free publication specific to the Adirondack region, “Invasive Species Best Management Practices.” 

Before taking action, consider the following to help develop a management plan: 

• Species ID: Is it an animal? A plant? Does it live in water? On land? An annual or perennial? Herbaceous or woody? The biology and dispersal methods of your target species will determine what management techniques are most appropriate.
• Size of the infestation: From one square foot, to several acres - infestation size will influence what management tools are used and the level of commitment that will be required to successfully control an infestation. 
• Site conditions: The location of an infestation may influence what tools and techniques are available for use. For example, infestations in aquatic or wetland settings may require more sensitive approaches.
• Costs: Prevention is the most cost effective strategy to control invasive species on your property! As invasive species become more established, the amount of resources needed to control the infestation will increase. 
• Invasive species impact: Is the species impacting an environmental, economic or societal asset that is important to you? If so, it is likely a higher priority for management. 

APIPP promotes the principles of “Integrated Invasive Plant Management (IPM)" when managing invasive species. IPM is a common sense approach that assesses all available control options to implement the most effective and least impactful strategy.