Climate change helps invasive species spread across South | Exclusive

Erica Van Buren, Augusta Chronicle

Wed, August 12, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC

3 min read

Climate change symptoms such as rising temperatures mean milder winters in the South, making Georgia and South Carolina more inviting to invasive species.

Several invasive species are expected to expand their ranges, survive farther north or increase their impacts in South Carolina and Georgia, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Invasive Species Information Center.

More: See how climate change is altering the rhythms of Georgia wildlife

Climate warming favors many invasive plants, insects, amphibians and marine species, experts say. Several invasive species may benefit from climate change, according to sources that include Clemson University.

Climate change allows invasive species to move into new regions, alters ecosystems in ways that benefit nonnative species and stress native ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to invasion, according to the center.

Cogongrass already spotted in Georgia

One of the world's most destructive invasive grasses, cogongrass is already established in Georgia and has been detected in South Carolina. It displaces native plants and creates severe wildfire hazards. Warmer spring temperatures are believed to drive annual growth.

Feral swine are particulary troublesome

Georgia and South Carolina already have extensive feral hog populations. Wildlife managers consider them one of the region's most damaging invasive mammals because of habitat destruction, crop losses and competition with native wildlife. Milder winters can improve juvenile survival and population growth. Climate change is expected to enhance conditions for many invasive animals in the Southeast.

The Asian tiger mosquito is a small black and white mosquito, about 1/4-inch long. The name "tiger mosquito" comes from its white and black color pattern. It has a white stripe running down the center of its head and back with white bands on the legs.

Asian tiger mosquito spreads diseases

The Asian tiger mosquito is firmly established throughout South Carolina and Georgia and is a vector for diseases including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Warming temperatures can lengthen breeding seasons and improve survival rates. Climate change is expected to increase habitat suitability for many invasive mosquitoes.

Cuban treefrog heading north

Native to the Caribbean, the Cuban treefrog has spread through Florida and is viewed by invasive species researchers as a likely northward expansion risk. Climate change is rapidly expanding suitable habitat for the species.

A yellow-legged hornets' nest was recently found in Bluffton.

Yellow-legged hornet threatens pollinators

The first North American nest was discovered in Savannah in 2023. Clemson University warns that the species poses a threat to honeybees and other pollinators. Like many subtropical insects, warmer winters can improve establishment success and survival.

Photo Provided Courtesy of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Argentine black and white tegu (Photo Credit Dustin Smith)

Black-and-white tegu prey on protected species

The tegu, a large South American lizard established in southeast Georgia, may benefit from warmer temperatures because cold weather currently limits its potential range. University of Georgia and Georgia Department of Natural Resources experts note that tegus tolerate a wide range of conditions and could survive across much of the southern United States. They prey on the eggs of native reptiles and ground-nesting birds, including protected species.

Lionfish swim in one of the aquariums at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Aquarium staff have been diving for lionfish, trying to capture the invasive species from local waters.

Lionfish reduce native reef fish populations

Lionfish have invaded Atlantic and Caribbean waters and are established off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina. Ocean warming may increase suitable habitat farther north and support longer seasonal activity. Lionfish are voracious predators that reduce populations of native reef fish and disrupt marine ecosystems. They continue to be a species of concern.

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Climate change helps invasive species spread across South | Exclusive