Biological control employes a plants natural enemies (usually insects) to control it.  Since noxious weeds were introduced from foreign lands without their natural enemies they gained a competitive advantage over native plants and upset the natural balance of native ecosystems. To combat this, scientists search a noxious weed's native homeland for its natural enemies.  Selected candidates are then raised in quarantine and tested for safety before they are released in North America.

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Biological Control is not for everyone.  It is slow and should be considered for long term control only. It is a particularly good fit for large landowners like timber companies, large ranches, federal, and state landowners.  It should be used in conjunction with an integrated program by treating roads, campgrounds, trailheads and buffer zones with herbicides, employing proper grazing practices, reseeding with native grasses, and where practical handpulling or mechanical controls.

Call your County Extension Agent or your County Noxious Weed Control Board for information on how to obtain insects. Or call or e-mail Cascade Weed & Pest Management at 509-682-1249.

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