As you’ve probably discovered, there are many online lists of invasive species in Ohio with many being based on opinions rather than having any “official” status.  However, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is the ultimate arbiter owing to its official regulatory status under the Ohio Revised Code.   Here are lists of invasive species as declared by the ODA:

Invasive Plants

https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-and-noxious-plants/invasive-plants

Invasive Insects

https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/invasive-insects

Invasive Plant Diseases

https://agri.ohio.gov/divisions/plant-health/invasive-pests/plant-diseases

One thing to keep in mind is that not every plant, insect, and disease on these lists is currently found in Ohio.  They are on the ODA invasive lists to avoid having them arrive in Ohio, or to highlight the need to be on the lookout for them in Ohio.  In essence, the inclusion of plants, insects, and diseases on the official ODA invasive list means the species are on a “watch list.”

For example, the Northern Giant Hornet and Yellow-Legged Hornet are not currently known to occur in Ohio.  However, they are included in the ODA's list of Invasive Insects to raise awareness and emphasize the importance of reporting any sightings of these insects to the ODA.

One thing you may want to consider as a project is to have your students research which plant, insect, and plant diseases are actually found in Ohio and which ones have not yet been discovered, but Ohioans should be on the alert and report suspicious sightings.  Your class could even produce a “Most Wanted” poster.