Most successful weed management plans use a number of methods: herbicides, mechanical, cultural, and when appropriate biological control. Use of multiple methods at the same time is called Integrated Pest Management - or IPM.
Biological control of weeds is the use of one organism to control another. Classical biological control is the introduction of control agents - usually insects - into a region that is not part of their natural range, to permanently reduce the populations of selected weeds. They are used to reduce, not get rid of the weeds.
Biological control may be an option for your weed problem if.....
- You don't expect the weed to be totally eradicated
- You don't need instant gratification
- You are willing to check release sites for establishment and impact
- You are willing to give the agents the time they need to work (two to five plus years) before resorting to other weed management options (spray, mechanical, cultural)
Biological Agents
Peruse pictures of biological control agents. For a complete list of weeds and their biocontrol agents, visit the Nez Perce Bio-Control Center website.