Invasive pests and plants can cause serious damage to Canada's environment and economy.
Why
- Invasive species can travel when you do
- When moved, they spread and infest new areas
- They can destroy forests, crops and gardens
Tips
- Check your furry friends before leaving parks, trails and greenspaces to help stop the spread
- Stick to designated trails to avoid dropping off or picking up any invasive pests
- Inspect your pet before you leave:
- Check them for pests and seeds, paying close attention to their legs and paws
- Brush off their fur, coats, and any clothes
- Clean off and remove mud and any other debris
Transcript – Check your pets to stop the spread of invasive species
We know you love taking your furry friends to your favourite parks, trails, and greenspaces, but invasive pests like insects, seeds, and plants may hitch a ride with you!
Before leaving, be sure to check your clothes, shoes, gear, AND pets for hitchhiking pests.
Moving invasive pests to new areas allows them to spread and infest new areas. Stick to designated trails to avoid dropping off or picking up any invasive pests.
Inspect your pet before you hit the road: check their fur for pests and seeds, brush off their legs and paws, and dispose of any plant debris, mud and seeds before emBARKing to your next destination.
A simple check of your pet before leaving will help protect Canada's forests, agriculture, and the environment.
Don't allow these sneaky intruders to catch a ride with you or your pets. Tell them to take a hike!
What to do if you find something
- Familiarize yourself with invasive pests
- If you spot a seed, pest, or plant that you don't recognize:
- take a picture
- report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Don't leave until the pests or seeds have been removed and destroyed