Kamloops posted May 6, 2019 @ 12:00pm by John Luke Kieper

City of Kamloops warns residents of alien species in the area

The City of Kamloops is urging residents to be cautious with alien species in the area this month.

May is "Invasive Species Action Month" so the province is cracking down on non-native species that have found their way into B.C. Without insect predators or plant pathogens that naturally control habitats, these noxious weeds and plants cant spread out of control.

<who> Photo Credit: File Photo

According to the City, invasive plants can cause skin irritation, trigger allergies, be poisonous to animals, clog waterways, kill natives trees, out-compete crops and native plants, and be costly to control.

Identified noxious in Kamloops that are having negative impacts include the Japanese Knotweed, Yellow Flag Iris, Hoary Alyssum, Dalmatian Toadflax, Leafy Spurge, Sulphur Cinquefoil, Orange Hawkweed, Hoary Cress, Common Tansy, Oxeye Daisy, and Knapweed. Many invasive plants have a beautiful appearance, were initially introduced as ornamentals and some still are intentionally planted.

The City will be putting out Noxious Weed Alert door hangers on properties that have alien species. If you receive a hanger, don't panic but remove the plant as soon as possible.

To learn more about taking care of invasive species, click here.

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