Invasive alien species
Invasive alien species are species that have spread from their natural areas of occurrence to new areas as a result of human activity. Harmful invasive alien species threaten biodiversity or related ecosystem services.
Harmful invasive species often displace native species and alter important habitats, making them unfavourable for native species. In addition to ecological damage, invasive species can cause health, economic and aesthetic problems and hinder the recreational use of nature.
Invasive alien species listed in the EU or national invasive alien species lists may not be cultivated. The most common invasive alien species are black locust, giant hogweed, rugosa rose and Spanish slug.
Control of invasive species
Every property owner or holder is obliged to remove harmful invasive species from their own areas. The municipality of Tuusula actively combats the spread of harmful invasive species in areas it owns. In combating invasive species, we focus in particular on combating giant hogweed, giant balsam and rugosa rose, as well as combating invasive species in the vicinity of valuable natural areas.
The permission of the landowner or holder is always required for weeding or digging up invasive species. However, the flowers of invasive species, such as black locust and giant balsam, may be collected under everyman’s rights. Removing the flowers of harmful invasive species prevents the spread of seed-propagated invasive species.
Slug bins
Problematic Spanish slugs are a familiar sight, especially in Jokela and Hyrylä in Tuusula. The municipality of Tuusula installs slug bins in the summer in areas where Spanish slugs are most prevalent. The bins are intended only for bags and jars containing dead slugs, not for other rubbish. Slugs must not be brought to the slug bins in glass jars.
The Spanish slug is an invasive species that is extremely harmful to crops and urban nature. They are large, voracious eaters that will consume any type of food. They quickly destroy garden plants and crop yields. Spanish slug eggs and young individuals spread with soil clumps and earth around plant roots, and a single Spanish slug can lay up to 400 eggs during the summer. To control slugs, it is advisable to keep vegetation low in areas where they are found and to clear away any potential hiding places and wintering sites, such as brushwood piles.
Locations of slug bins
The slug bins are in winter storage and will be returned to their locations in spring 2026:
- Jokela: Hirvenojantie 22
- Jokela: Intersection of Tikuntekijäntie and Tehtaantie
- Hyrylä: Intersection of Sollentunanpolku and Poutakuja
- Hyrylä: Intersection of Suopurontie and Multatie
- Riihikallio: Siilintie 5
- Lahela: Sointulantie, next to the sorting station and sports field
- Paijala: Hankkijantie, along the light traffic route.
Report your observations of invasive alien species!
Sightings of invasive species are collected on the invasive species portal. Please report your sightings, especially of giant hogweed, giant knotweed, himalayan balsam and Spanish slug.
This content has been translated using AI