They are animals or plants from another region of the world that don't belong in their new environment.
They are able to adapt quickly to the new environment
They typically reproduce quickly when compared to the native species in the area
They harm the property, the economy, or native organisms in their introduced habitat
- from, Emerging Pests in KY by Jonathan L .Larson -
Honeysuckle
Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii):
The most common invasive species in KY.
Invasive honeysuckle has a significant negative impact along streams and riparian corridors, affecting ecology, water quality, and long-term stream stability. Read more about our most invasive species along our stream in
Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima is a highly invasive species originally from Asia. The tree of heaven poisons the soil around it, choking out local plant life. Fast growing and can reach 25 feet in height in a single year!
They look a lot like SUMAC, which is a desirable native plant we have in our greenspace - two easy ways to tell them apart... 1. Sumac leaves are serrated and TOH leaf edges are smooth. 2. TOH smells bad! Often just getting close to the leaves is enough - but bend a little branch and take a sniff.
Winter Creeper
April 2026, we had a demo from Jerry Weisenfluh, the Key Steward for the Preston Springs greenway. View the under the Invasive Species page - scroll to Winter Creeper.
Begin with a potato rake to extract approximately 75–80% of the tangled vines, loosening the dense mat at the soil surface.
Follow up with a push–pull cutting tool run just beneath the soil to sever remaining roots.
Use a handheld pickaxe to remove deeper, more established roots that would otherwise resprout.
The first video shows the tools and methods. The second video talks about chemical management.
This invasive insect has been spotted in Fayette Co January 2026. The spotted lanternfly from East Asia came to the US in 2014 and threatens ecosystems and agriculture, particularly grape vines, apples, hops and Christmas trees. This species is drawn to the Tree of Heaven, but feed on native plants and trees - sometimes killing them in the process! And their honeydew fecal secretions create a sticky mess and mold growth!
If you see me, take a photo and email with location to ReportAPest@uky.edu
If you see my eggs, smoosh them!
Hammer Head Flatworm
Hammerhead worms are terrestrial land planarians, sometimes called shovel-headed garden worms. These flatworms have spread widely around the world from Asia, most likely through potted plants — and are now found in multiple counties across Kentucky, including Fayette.
If you see me, do not touch (neurotoxic) with bare hands, but scoop into a bag and cover with salt. Do not break apart as they can continue to live and grow more worms!
Interested in Learning More about the Bob O Link Greenspace?
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