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Integrated Pest Management Approach
Working to remove invasive plants and animals from our yards, pastures, roadsides, grasslands, forests, lakes, and rivers can require different management methods. There are a number of different tools in the integrated pest management approach which can be used in combination to get rid of invasive species.
Manual Removal: digging, pulling, burning, mulching, and more...
Many species can be effectively controlled with manual removal. Pulling, digging, mulching, or burning can all be effective treaments. Be sure to use appropriate tools and safety equipment. It is important to collect any material that could propagate new plants including seeds, contaminated soil, roots, and plant fragments. This material can be disposed of for free at any local landfill or waste transfer station through the RDKB invasive species program. Double bag plants to ensure tears do no permit the spread of the species. Research the species or contact Boundary Invasives before beginning work to ensure manual removal will be an effective management method.
Aceria malherbae
Controls field bindweed. Mites produce galls that causes the leaves to curl.
Agapeta zoegana
Controls spotted and diffuse knapweed. Larvae mine the root which stresses the plant.
Aphthona flava
Controls leafy spurge. Larvae feed on the roots and the adults feed on the leaves of the plant.
Cyphocleonus achates
Controls spotted and diffuse knapweed. Larvae develop in the root.
Chrysolina spp.
Controls St. John's wort. Adults feed on leaves and flowers. They are a metallic bronze-green colour.
Larinus minutus
Controls spotted and diffuse knapweed. Larvae develop in the flower head and eat the seeds.
Larinus planus
Controls Canada thistle and nodding thistle. Flower heads with larvae in them have small brown marks.
Mecinus janthinus
Controls dalmatian and yellow toadflax. Eggs are laid in cavities chewed into the shoots.
Mogulones crucifer
Controls hound's tongue. Small round chew holes in the leaves are a sign that the insects are present.
Bio-control: insects targeting invasive plants
Bio-control agents play a significant role in managing invasive species in the Boundary. These hard working insects attack the roots, leaves, stems, and flowers of invasive plants to reduce seed production and populations. Bio-control agents are selected to attack a specific species to ensure there is no harm to native species. These insect populations spread naturally, seeking out new sites. Boundary Invasives does preform collections in populated sites to transfer insects to more isolated invasive species infestations.
Herbicides
There are many herbicides that are effective in the treatment of invasive species. They are a useful tool in the integrated pest management approach. Different herbicides will effect broad leaf plants, grasses, trees, annuals, biennials, and perennials. The active compounds target functions such as cell division and photosynthesis, or mimic growth hormones causing over growth which depletes the plant's energy and resources. Some herbicides will break down into inert compounds in a matter of days while others remain in the soil providing residual control for several years. Not all herbicides are effective on every plant or at every growth stage. Before treating your property be sure to select an appropriate herbicide, conduct treatment at the right growth stage, and contact a professional, the number on the herbicide label, or Boundary Invasive Species society with questions. Spraying equipment is available for loan through the RDKB program or contact a local contractor to organize professional treatment. The RDKB Cost-Share and New Invaders programs provide funding to RDKB area D, E, & C residents for invasive species control on private land. Learn more about all of the RDKB's programs here.
Other Management Methods
Directly targeting the invasive species is not the only way to stop or slow the spread. Watering and fertilization can provide unfavourable growing conditions for certain invaders. Promoting the growth of native species through seeding, favourable environmental conditions, and preventing overgrazing of pasture and range land provide competition for invasive species. Seeding equipment is available through the RDKB loan program.
Boundary Invasives in currently assisting the RDKB conduct a 'goat trial' for the treatment of hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana). Though hoary alyssum is toxic to horses and the seeds pass through cattle and sheep, goats have been shown to eat the plant in such a way that the plant does not respond defensively and the seeds are no longer viable once digested.
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