Description of Invasive
Species Control Methods
Prepared by Michael Van
Clef, Ph.D., Ecological Solutions, LLC
|
Control Method |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
Notes |
Biological |
Introduction of a biocontrol agent (e.g.,
insect, pathogen) from the invasive species’ native range |
Dramatic reduction in abundance with minimal
costs; Minimal site accessibility issues |
Limited number of invasive species have
agents; Potential for unintended consequences if the biocontrol agent ‘switches’ to
non-target species |
Requires extensive time and effort to
provide effective host-specific agents; Numerous federal regulations
provide significantly reduced risk of impacts to non-targets species |
Mechanical |
Physical removal of all or portions
of an invasive species |
No requirement for specialized training;
Can be performed by volunteers |
Very labor intensive; May require specialized
equipment; Site accessibility issues, impractical for large infestations;
Re-sprouting or further invasive species dissemination may occur |
Common techniques include mowing, cutting,
pulling and girdling |
Chemical |
Application of herbicide to all or portions
of a plant |
Most effective and efficient method
in most cases; Staff can be assisted by volunteers |
Labor intensive; Site accessibility
issues; Requires specialized training/license and equipment; May
require repeated applications for more difficult species |
Common applications include foliar,
cut stump, basal bark and injection; Mechanical and chemical controls
may be combined for cut stump and hack-and-squirt methods
|
Cultural |
Removal of invasive species through
broad land use activities |
Very cost effective |
Does not apply well to forest habitats |
Primarily applies to agricultural systems,
but may apply to the maintenance of early successional natural systems
including grasslands; Techniques include prescribed fire and prescribed
grazing |
Ecological |
Allowing natural ecological processes
(e.g., competition for light and soil resources) to reduce invasive
species over time |
Very cost effective; Utilizes natural
processes |
May not occur in many systems due to
persistent or continuing human impacts (e.g., overabundant deer,
continual physical disturbance, habitat fragmentation, etc.) |
Primarily applies to forest systems;
As an example, very strong anecdotal evidence suggests that overabundant
deer facilitate infestations by Japanese stiltgrass and other invasive
species in forests. |
