Every year non-native species are introduced into the United States through accidental import.  Many of these species such as Argentine ants, Fire ants, Rasberry Crazy Ants and Hydrilla become an invasive nuisance causing destruction for homeowners, ranchers, farmers and natural ecosystems.  The following list includes invasive species that can accidentally be transported through camping equipment, watercraft and plants.  You can help stop the spread by becoming aware of potential invasive species and by taking steps to ensure you don’t transport any with you.

What is an Invasive Species:

http://fireant.tamu.edu/materials/factsheets_pubs/pdf/texas1.pdf

Invasive Species currently at Somerville Lake spread through transport:

Terrestrial Species

Insects

Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile)

Argentine Ant Informational Sheet

Argentine Ant Video **File is large and opens in Windows Media Player**

Soapberry Borer (Agrilus prionurus)

Soapberry Borer Informational Sheet

Plants

Orobanche (Orobanche ramose L.)

http://www.texasinvasives.org/invasives_database/detail.php?symbol=ORRA

Aquatic Species

Plants

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata   (L.f.) Royle)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=6

Water-hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=1130

Common Reed (Phragmites australis)

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/emergent_plants/common_reed.htm

Invasive Species that could be transported to Somerville Lake:

Aquatic Species

Mollusks

Zebra Mussel

http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/pubdata/pao/Articles/Zebra_Mussel_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Plants

Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta   Mitchell)

http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=298

Terrestrial Species

Insects

Crazy Rasberry Ant

Crazy Rasberry Ant Informational Sheet

If you happen to locate or think that you have possibly located any of these species, such as Zebra Mussel, Giant Salvinia or Crazy Rasberry Ant, please call 979-596-1622 to provide an exact location, so that we may confirm the find and take the necessary preventative measures to stop these species from spreading.