Get Outta Here!

Whoops…

There are many species that have been introduced to North America by accident. Some are good, some are bad. One bad introduction to North America was the zebra mussel. The zebra mussel came from Europe some time around 1985-1986. This species reproduces rapidly, and has detrimental effects facilities that use raw surface water, because they attach and colonize on wells, screen systems, and water intake pipes, which clogs the water flow. One of the only thing controlling population are their predators which are diving ducks and freshwater drums. They’re eaten by these two species but they are not consumed enough to control their entire population. It is also easy to track their journey online. A detrimental effect of zebra mussels is the fact that they eat a lot of the same species that other larval fish and native species feed on, which may cause a decline in those types of species. Another threat that the zebra mussel poses is the issue that they attach themselves to other species such as crayfish and native mussels, as well as turtles.
Despite the best human efforts, it is almost impossible to kill all zebra mussels that infect a body of water without poisoning other types of underwater species, because zebra mussels can almost only be killed with poison; the current available technology cannot dispose of the invader.

Another species that has been introduced to North America is the Cactus Moth. It was introduced to Florida in 1989. This accidental species has introduced problems to the prickly pear cacti, as they thrive on the cactus pads. The species is also expected to have an immense effect on the western states and Mexico (maybe even Louisiana) and will be detrimental to their landscape. After the cactus pads are infested by the cactus moths, they become < “transparent and hollow”, and are no longer useful. After one pad is used up, the cactus moths move onto another. In order to counter-act the effect this species is having, there are phone numbers that can be called by citizens that are witnessing any infestations and wish to have them acknowledged by institutions dealing with the cactus moth.

One more species that has been dubbed a “pest” after it’s induction to North America is the starling. It came from Europe during the nineteenth century, but has only been an obvious pest during the last few decades. The bird is very aggressive and territorial, driving away native birds from its territory. Since starlings usually travel in packs, they’re a large noise nuisance for near-by citizens of starling rest-stops. Their damage also includes structural damage, as their feces (in abundance) can corrode stone, masonry, and metal. Nests of starlings can often clog drain pipes and backup which cause backup, therefore leading to extensive water damage.