Invasive Species & Plants

Overview

Invasive species are plants and animals not native to an area. Left unchecked, they can crowd out native species, resulting in ecosystem changes and environmental damage. Some also pose a health and safety risk. The Provincial Weed Control Act designates certain invasive plants as “noxious weeds”, and makes property owners and occupiers responsible for their control.

Noxious weeds of particular concern for health and safety reasons are the Knotweeds (Giant, Japanese, Bohemian and Himalayan) and Giant Hogweed.

The City has been fulfilling its obligation under the Weed Control Act by hiring a contractor to control Knotweed and Giant Hogweed on public property and along roadways.

Private property owners are strongly encouraged to address infestations on private lands by either seeking direction on how to control these noxious weeds themselves, or hiring a contractor to do so.

The Fraser Valley Invasive Species Society (FVISS), a local non-profit society, is available to provide free advice or conduct control efforts at property owners’ expense. The FVISS can be reached by email or by calling 778-548-3847.

For additional information on the South Coast Conservation Program’s “Nature Stewards Program,” and obtaining a free ecological assessment to see how your property may be enhanced for habitat, please visit our online Environmental Community Initiatives. Enhancement work is free for properties that are found suitable, and may include planting of native species.

Invasive species common to Mission

Giant Hogweed can cause blindness and third-degree burns on contact.

Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant that resembles cow parsnip, but grows up to 5 metres (15 feet) tall. The large, hollow, central stalk is green with purple spots. The dark green, coarsely-toothed leaves are divided into three segments. Small white flowers grow in a large, flat-top, umbrella-like cluster, which can measure up to one meter across. An individual Giant Hogweed plant can produce 50,000 seeds.

Giant Hogweed likes to grow in wet areas near streams and has been found along Draper and Silverdale Creeks, but it has been sighted in other locations as well. Children may be particularly attracted to the plant, and should not be allowed to play in areas where this plant may be present. Due to the risk of injury, it is not recommended to undertake removal of Giant Hogweed yourself. Do not place Giant Hogweed in your curbside garbage, and do not compost it in your backyard under any circumstances.

If you see Giant Hogweed in the City of Mission, please report the location to the Engineering Department by email or calling 604-820-3736.

All four species of Knotweeds (Giant, Japanese, Bohemian, and Himalayan) are extremely invasive, choking out native vegetation wherever they establish. Knotweed is often confused with bamboo due to the similar stem structure, and likes to grow in moist areas, with roots potentially extending up to 6 metres (20 feet) downward and 20 metres (66 feet) sideways. Knotweed roots lack root hairs, and are therefore not capable of holding soil in place.

Knotweed infestations along rivers and streams can result in severe bank erosion. Roots can also grow through concrete, including sewer lines and concrete foundations.

Knotweed is very difficult to control. Small (less than 3 cm) stem segments may take root, so Knotweed should never be mulched. Mowing Knotweed is only recommended, if it can be done in one clean cut of the stem close to the ground. It may take several years and four to five consistent cuttings per season to bring Knotweed under control by cutting. Cut plants that have not gone to seed can be dried out on an impermeable surface and composted when completely dry. Other control measures include covering the plants to deprive them of sunlight and applying a herbicide to the leaves of the plant.

Once Knotweed has gone to seed, it can be double-bagged and dropped off at the Mission Landfill, fees will apply. Please let the scalehouse operator know what you’re bringing in and follow directions.

For additional information on the Mission Landfill, please visit our Drop-offs and Landfill page section.

This plant is of concern due to its potential to cause cumulative liver damage in livestock, even in small amounts. Tansy Ragwort is a biennual plant with small, daisy-like yellow flowers and leaves somewhat resembling “ragged” kale, when they first emerge. Tansy Ragwort grows up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) tall.

Touching the plants should have no effect on humans when wearing gloves, so pulling them out and double-bagging them for disposal in the garbage is an acceptable method of control. There are also biological controls available. Residents choosing to deliver Tansy Ragwort to the Mission Landfill must double-bag the plants to prevent seed dispersal, and let the scalehouse operator know what they’re bringing in. There is no charge for dropping off Tansy Ragwort at the Mission Landfill.

For additional information on the Mission Landfill, please visit our online Drop-offs & Landfill page section.

You’ve seen the damage to grass done by the crows who love to dine on the grubs. Here is some information for beating the beetle and having a healthy lawn this spring and summer.

What is a European Chafer Beetle?

The European Chafer beetle is an introduced insect to BC that has become a serious lawn pest. It was first discovered in the lower mainland in 2001. Adult European Chafer beetles are tan or brown and measure 1.5 cm in length. The larvae (grubs) measure approximately 2 to 2.5 cm in length, are white and C-shaped with tan coloured heads and six prominent legs.

Why is it a problem?

Chafer beetle infestations can be very damaging to lawns. The grubs damage the lawns by feeding on grass roots. If food is scarce they will move to vegetable plantings to feed on corn, potatoes, blueberries, strawberries, conifers and other crops. Grub feeding on grass roots weakens and kills grass plants, resulting in large brown and dead patches and major damage can occur when crows, skunks, raccoons and other animals dig up the lawn in search for grubs that are present from September to April.

How can I tell if my lawn is infested?

Chafer beetle infestation is often most visible in the fall through early spring (October-March)when raccoons, birds and other wildlife begin to dig up the turf to eat the grubs. Other times of the year, you may notice your lawn:

feels “spongy” when you walk on it due to the grubs feeding below (July-September)
is wilted or dead and brown and easy to pull up
has lots of moisture in spring and fall, and in drier weather quickly results in brown patches

How do I combat the beetle?

Maintain a healthy lawn. Adopt a routine with aerating, dethatching, fertilizing, deep watering and high mowing.
Alternative landscapes. Use Dutch White Clover, Salal, Ajuga, Vancouver Gold Bloom, Thyme, and Sedum instead of grass.
Beneficial Nematodes. Use Nematodes; living microscopic worms that attack the chafer grubs.
Nematodes must be ordered, stored and applied all within a very short time period in July for best results. A lawn sprinkling permit is required to water every day and can be purchased from Engineering at Welton Common located at 7337 Welton St.
Insecticides. There are a few insecticides registered in Canada for management of European chafer. Application has to be done in spring or early summer.

Overview

Invasive species common to Mission

Giant Hogweed

Knotweed

Tansy Ragwort

Chafer Beetles and Grubs

Related contact(s)

General Inquiries - Engineering