Control Methods

 Biological Control   |   Chemical Control   |   Mechanical Control   |   Grass Carp

Biological Control

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Biological control involves use of an animal or other living organism to control weeds. Many rural residents are familiar with the biological control of weeds and other plants provided by farm animals such as sheep and goats. Biological control has many advantages over other weed control means. It takes much less human effort than most mechanical control means and does not require use of expensive and sometimes hazardous aquatic herbicides. Additionally, use of animals provides longer term control than other means, since the animals usually have a life span of several years.

The most common and effective biological control for aquatic weeds is the grass carp. Grass carp prefer soft, low fiber aquatic weeds such as duckweed and various underwater plants. Plants that are typically controlled by grass carp include some algae and submersed weeds. If the more desired species of plants are not available, they will feed on plants above the water surface; and in cases where no aquatic food is available, they will feed on overhanging brush and tree branches. It is this voracious appetite for plants that makes grass carp useful in controlling aquatic weeds. Consult our grass carp page for information on grass carp biology, feeding habits, and stocking rates.