Your marimo moss balls may contain a dangerous invasive species

This years’ trendiest water plant, the marimo moss ball, has been found to house an extremely high-risk invasive species.

The moss balls, specifically the Beta Buddy brand balls, have been found to contain small zebra mussels.

These mussels can clog water pipes and drains, disrupt fishing, farming, and swimming, and harm salmon and many other animals and plants in a lake or stream.

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The Washington State Invasive Species Council is recommending two ways of disposing the marimo moss balls:

1. Remove the marimo moss balls and place them in a plastic bag. Put the bag in the freezer and leave it alone for at least 24 hours. After that, the moss balls can be disposed of in the trash.
2. Place moss balls in boiling water for at least one full minute. After that, the moss balls can be disposed of in the trash.

Check out the Washington State Invasive Species Council’s website for more information on the invasive zebra mussels.