Biological control agents or bio-agents may control weeds by destroying seeds, leaves, root, or stems; by weakening or stressing the weed; and/or by limiting the weed’s ability to reproduce.

• Bio-agent feeding may also help weaken weeds through damage scars.
• Once established and feeding in your weed infestations, bio-agents will continue to attack your weeds throughout the growing season

• They are target specific
• Continuous action throughout the season
• Long-term cost effective
• Gradual in effect, environmentally friendly
• Can move on their own (even into steep or difficult terrain)

• Long time until results can be seen
• Uncertain results
• Uncertain “non-target” effects in the environment
• Cannot be removed
• Environmental conditions can have an effect of the establishment of the bio-control agents

• Effectiveness of agents cannot be guaranteed
• Will not work every time in every situation
• Will not “eradicate” the weed (no complete kill)
• May not provide the desired level of control
• Sometimes it might take years before you see biological control impact

Biological control programs are not the only answer to our weed problems. In many cases, the release of the available bio-agents, are most clearly described as experimental. See this link to the Animal, Plant, Health inspection service (USDA)  website https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/home , to learn more about Biological controls at the federal level. They have recently renewed their focus on noxious weeds nationwide. 

Federal programs: Federal interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds https://www.fs.fed.us/ficmnew/index.shtml

Local programs: Contact your State Department of Agriculture, County Noxious Weed office, Local Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) or Extension Agent.