If an invasive alien species is present only in a small area, complete removal from nature may be attempted. The method of removal should be chosen based on the species’ characteristics. To ensure effectiveness, removal measures typically need to be carried out over an extended period, followed by monitoring the area for several years to check for any reoccurrence. If the spread cannot be prevented in the early stages of settlement, the species usually expands to the point that complete removal from nature is no longer feasible. In such cases, we implement species control and limitation, which involves actively removing the species from the environment using similar methods. While this will not entirely eradicate the species, it will limit its spread and reduce its negative impacts. Control measures are therefore permanent, which also implies ongoing costs.

Control methods are divided into three categories:

• Mechanical removal: removing animals from nature by capturing individuals or hunting, and removing plants by pulling, cutting, mowing, or grazing. Measures can be supplemented with chemical control.

• Chemical control: using pesticides to control weeds (herbicides), insects (insecticides), and fungi (fungicides), as well as setting toxic traps for vertebrates.

• Biological control: removing organisms using live organisms that are their natural predators or parasites.

Adapted from: Projekt LIFE ARTEMIS. Tujerodne vrste. https://www.tujerodne-vrste.info/ukrepi/zatiranje-tujerodnih-vrst