In order to prevent the introduction or spread of invasive alien plants into natural areas, and to help restore our native flora and fauna, you can:

Know your own backyard-learn to identify your region's most threatening pests. Find out whom to contact to report new invasions, or to receive guidance on controlling pests on your property.

Landscape with native species or non-invasive ornamental plants appropriate to your region.

Don't release pets or aquarium plants and fish into the environment.

Avoid disturbing natural areas-it increases their vulnerability to alien species invasions.

Be careful not to send or receive potentially harmful plants or animals through the mail-use mail-order services wisely.

Don't bring plants, fruits, soil, or animals into the country from abroad-or to Hawaii from the mainland-without having them inspected by quarantine officials; fill out agricultural declaration forms completely and honestly.

Clean boats and boating equipment before transporting them from one water body to another to avoid spreading aquatic pests such as zebra mussels or hydrilla. Leave behind unused bait and bucket water. Clean your boots and camping gear before setting out for other regions or countries, and again before returning home. On horse-packing trips, make sure that feed is certified weed-free.

Spread the word-educate yourself and others about the problem of alien species.

Get involved-join volunteer efforts to remove invasive species in natural areas, such as local Conservancy preserves and state or national parks.

Avoid disturbance to natural areas, including clearing of native vegetation, planting of non-native plants and dumping of yard wastes.

Do not purchase or use invasive exotic species in your landscaping or for land restoration or erosion control projects.

For landscaping, use plants that are native to your local region as much as possible or those that are not known to be invasive.

Know your plants. If you are unsure of the identification of a plant, take a sample to a university, arboretum, department of agriculture office, local nature center, or native plant society for assistance. Find out if it is known or thought to have invasive tendencies. If the exotic plant is closely related to an invasive species, it is likely to have similar tendencies. To be on the safe side, if you don't know it, don't grow it.

Control exotic invasive plants in your landscape either by removing them entirely or by managing them to prevent their spread outside your property. This may include pruning to prevent flowering and seed dispersal or cutting, mowing or herbicide use to prevent vegetative spread. 

Discuss your concerns about invasive exotic plants with nurseries and garden shops and ask them not to sell these species. Provide them with printed material (such as this) explaining the problem to read later. Ask for non-invading alternatives instead. 

Notify land managers of invasive exotic plant occurrences. 

Offer to assist in exotic plant removal projects. 

Work with your local government to encourage the use of native plants in their urban and suburban landscapes. Provide them with lists of attractive, non-invasive locally native alternatives that are naturally more hardy, pest-resistant, and provide more nutritious food for wildlife than cultivated plants.