Japanese Knotweed Control by Insects

| by paul phlorum | August 18, 2008
Recent publications are claiming that Japanese Knotweed Control methods have now incorporated tiny insects that could actually be very helpful in the every day’s battle against the invasive weed. The introduction of these insects to destroy and therefore aid Japanese knotweed eradication will cause controversy but experts are insisting that the introduction of these insects to help with the removal of the invasive oriental weed will not cause adverse affects to our own vegetation or wildlife.

Japanese knotweed removal and Japanese knotweed control are a constant and growing concern all over the United Kingdom and in countries that face the same issue, so desperate measures are needed to help with the eradication of the plant. Millions of these tiny bugs called psyllids, jumping, sap-sucking lice, will attack the invasive weed and so reduce the need for herbicide spraying. This Asian weed is an invasive plant that will grow through anything; concrete, paving and buildings and, unless Japanese knotweed control is enforced, the weed will be totally out of control. The particular psyllid is a native of Japan where this knotweed originates from. In Japan, it is actually this insect, among other species, that provides a form of control on the plant getting naturally rid of it. The Asian invasive plant is now so widespread that it could cost over one and a half billion pounds for its removal and eradication by the more conventional methods. Which is the reason why, the introduction of this predator as been thought in order to provide a means of Japanese knotweed eradication.

As a non-native specie the knotweed is causing a vast problem, as its control and killing is expensive and difficult to deal with. The weed’s bamboo-like stems can grow to a height of ten feet and can easily grow through concrete and solid structures commonly founds on building sites. This kind of plant is also capable of regenerating from tiny pieces, spreading underground unseen and appearing further away at a later date.

Although the introduction of this insect, another non-native species, would seem to be a good plan for the eradication of the invasive plant, is it possible that it will create more problems of its own in the same way as the problems that have been caused by the introduction of this invasive weed.
The strategy for the removal of this plant is of high importance for the client, developer and, most importantly, the environment. That is the reason why each new plan needs to be carefully thought and every aspect needs to be considered.

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About the Author

Paul, is the director of the Phlorum. An environmental agency specialised in Japanese Knotweed Removal and Japanese Knotweed Eradication in the UK. A great way for Japanese Knotweed Control. » Read more articles by paul phlorum
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