Invasive species in Ontario

Harmful foreign species have invaded Ontario. Learn how you can help stop the spread.

Invasive species are spreading

Hundreds of invasive species have infiltrated our lakes, rivers and forests. This puts our native fish, plants and animals and their habitats at risk.

After an invasive species arrives it is almost impossible to remove it. This can cause irreparable damage to important habitats and ecosystems.

Invasive species action plans

On the water, in the garden, at the cottage or on a trail, you can help stop the spread of invasive species.

Read our action plans to find out how.

Managing invasive species in Ontario

Ontario has prohibited and restricted a number of invasive species that pose a risk to Ontario’s natural environment. The Invasive Species Act sets out rules to prevent them and control their spread. There are also federal invasive species rules that are enforced in the province.

Learn about how we’re managing invasive species and the Invasive Species Act.

See which species are being tracked.

Ways you can help stop invasive species

Follow these steps to help track, control and stop the spread of invasive species in Ontario.

Manage invasive plants on your property

If you find invasive plants on your property, there are ways to manage them so they don’t spread.

Learn about the species to find out which technique will be most effective and practical. You may need to use manual, mechanical, chemical or cultural practices.

If you need to use herbicides, make sure you have the necessary licences and permits or contact the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for more information.

Read more about how to manage invasive plants:

Stop invasive species – don’t let it loose

Did you know that in Ontario, it is illegal to introduce a plant or animal to a body of water where it is not native? This can start an invasion, but you can help stop it if you:

never move aquatic plants and animals from one body of water to another
use artificial lures or bait that is local to the area where you plan to fish
freeze or salt bait you want to keep for future use
put unwanted bait in the garbage or on land at least 30 meters from any body of water
never release or deposit unwanted pets or plants into the natural environment. Try finding them a new home, see if they can be returned to your retailer, or as a last resort ask a veterinarian about how unwanted pets can be humanely euthanized and disposed of
do not flush plants or dead aquarium pets down the toilet. Instead, seal them in plastic bags and put in the garbage

Learn more about how to dispose of unwanted plants or pets.

Garden responsibly

To avoid introducing or spreading invasive species when gardening:

choose native or non-invasive plants for your garden. Get suggestions in the Ontario Invasive Plant Council’s Grow Me Instead Guide
avoid relocating plants from your home to your cottage garden and vice versa
build water gardens away from natural waterways and areas prone to flooding to prevent unwanted escape from your water garden
don’t compost unwanted invasive garden plants in your backyard or dispose of them in natural areas. Instead, contact your municipality to see if invasive plants should be put in the garbage or yard waste

Learn more in the gardeners action plan.

Stop aquatic invasive species - clean, drain, dry

Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by:

cleaning aquatic plants and mud from your boat, motor and trailer
draining standing water from your boat’s transom, live wells and motor intakes
removing invaders you can’t see before travelling to a new body of water by either:
- drying your boat for at least five sunny days
- cleaning your boat with hot water over 50°C or pressurized water over 250 PSI

Clean your gear and pets – play, clean, go

Keep your gear and pets clean to prevent spreading invasive species from one body of water or outdoor area to another. You can do this by:

cleaning bicycles and hiking boots before heading to a new location
cleaning mud and seeds from ATVs before transporting them
brushing your pets before heading to a new area

Use local firewood - buy local, burn local

Firewood may carry invasive pests or diseases that could harm our forests. Don’t give them a free ride. Make sure you:

don’t transport firewood across long distances
buy and burn local firewood on your next adventure and leave any unused wood on site

Report sightings

If you come across an invasive species, report it:

by phone: call the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters’ Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711
online: through EDDMapS Ontario, a web-based mapping system
on your mobile: download the EDDMapS Ontario app on your mobile phone (iOS or Android)

Learn more about how and what to report.