Invasive zebra mussels took over Hords Creek Lake in Coleman County within a month of first appearing there, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Another Texas lake is now considered “fully infested” with zebra mussels.

Texas Parks and Wildlife officials are urging boaters to “clean, drain, dry” ahead of the holiday weekend to help prevent the spread of invasive zebra mussels.

Invasive species pose a significant threat to Texas lakes.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants boaters heading to the state’s lakes or rivers for the weekend to do their part keeping them free of invasive species.

Recently, a homeowner in the Kingsland area shared a photo to social media showing a float her family keeps in the water at Lake LBJ that’s completely covered in zebra mussels.

Invasive zebra mussels that are known to harm wildlife have now infested three more lakes -- Lake Brownwood, Inks Lake and Medina Lake -- according to Texas Parks and Wildlife officials.

Invasive zebra mussels that are known to harm wildlife have been detected at Medina Lake and could spread to nearby waterways, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is warning pet stores and pet owners about a moss ball aquarium plant that could be contaminated with invasive zebra mussels. The moss balls are sold as an aquarium plant under names including “Beta Buddy Marimo Balls,” “Mini Marimo Moss Balls,” and “Marimo Moss Ball Plant.”They are sold separately but also included in the sale of betta fish. “Zebra mussels can be recognized as small shellfish with triangular, brownish shells, often with their namesake zebra stripes, that may be attached to or growing inside the moss balls. Aquarium water should be replaced and filters and cartridges should be replaced or disinfected, TPWD said. Ad“Invasive species such as these zebra mussels and snails can hitchhike in aquatic plants sold for aquarium use,” said Monica McGarrity, Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species.

Lake Buchanan has officially been designated as “infested” with the invasive species known as zebra mussels. Scientists with the Lower Colorado River Authority discovered zebra mussel larvae at three different sites around Lake Buchanan in October. Crews working on a floodgate project at the lake discovered settled zebra mussels shortly after, at the beginning of December. If you have stored your boat in the water at a lake with zebra mussels, it is likely infested with zebra mussels and poses an extremely high risk for moving this invasive species to a new lake, TPWD officials said. A map showing all lakes where zebra mussels have been found in Texas can be found here.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officials say hunters can help prevent the spread of invasive species in the Lone Star State.

Invasive zebra mussels that can harm wildlife are overwhelming a North Texas lake, according to officials with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Zebra mussels, giant African snails, feral hogs, feral cats causing big problems in Texas.