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What You Can Do
Take Action to Stop Backyard Invasive Species!

Identify and Remove Invasive Plants From Your Property

Unidentified girl hauling recently cut invasive plant species. Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR Archive

The key to controlling invasive species is to know which species are invasive, to be able to identify them at all stages of their life cycle, and to take timely action:

  • Remove known invasive plants or fruit from your property before they set seed. Dispose of them in a way to ensure they won’t spread.
  • Before buying plants, check to see if they have the potential to be invasive.
  • Educate friends, neighbors, and local nurseries about the problems caused by invasive, exotic plants.
  • If you find an invasive-infested area, inform the landowner or land manager so they can take steps to control the problem.
  • Find out if there are organizations in your community that organize invasive plant control days. Volunteer to help and learn identification and control methods at the same time.
  • Avoid spreading exotic plants you may come in contact with while enjoying outdoor activities by removing seeds and plant fragments from clothing and equipment before leaving the area.

Raise and Release Purple Loosestrife-eating Beetles

Galerucella calmariensis is a type of purple loosestrife eating beetle. These beetles lay their eggs on the plant stem and in the leaf axils. Beetle larvae eat the bud, leaf, and stem tissue of Purple loosestrife. Volunteers can help Wisconsin combat purple loosestrife by rearing and releasing beetles that eat purple-loosestrife. "Starter kits" with 100 beetles enable volunteers to rear the 100 beetles into 10,000 or more over 6 to 8 weeks for release into local purple loosestrife-infested areas. The cost of a starter kit is just $25, thanks to growing in-state beetle populations. In the past, these kits relied on imported beetles and have cost $110. People may purchase the additional supplies at local outlets. Kits include directions on how to raise and distribute the beetles, as well as preparing for future propagation through local beetle collection.

Before seeking a kit, volunteers need to find a local area appropriate for the project. The beetles won’t work in all areas, especially areas that remain wet in mid-summer. Late July-August is generally the best time to check potential sites because loosestrife is in bloom and easy to find.

For more information on raising beetles, please contact:

Brock Woods
Wisconsin DNR Research Center
1350 Femrite Dr.
Monona, WI 53716
Phone: (608) 221-6349

Last Revised: Monday April 14 2008