(RALEIGH) -- Invasive specides can be very expensive to control. That's why this week is the first-ever Invasive Plants Awareness Week in North Carolina. Spokesperson for the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Dr. Steven Schmidt says they want residents to understand the critical role the department serves in the spread of invasive species in North Carolina.

"Basically, it's just trying to bring up the level of awareness for the general public and get them involved so that the next time they contemplate a plant, they think about its habits before they actually put it in the ground," Schmidt said.

Schmidt adds that the cost of invasive species can be expensive to control. Estimates place the cost of invasive specides in the United States at more than $137 billion each year.