The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is partnering with Agrowest Consulting to continue to offer its free Bio-Control Program, which helps private landowners control weeds.
For more than 20 years, the TNRD has been releasing biocontrol insects for knapweed, hound’s-tongue, dalmatian toadflax, leafy spurge, and Canada thistle on private land.
The bio-control insects are “host specific” and will not attack native vegetation or even other weedy species.
The insects target different parts of an invasive plant — mining the roots, mining the stems, eating the seeds, or defoliating the leaves.
Bio-control is a long-term commitment and therefore ideal release sites are large infestations of a single species on uncropped (range) land.
The TNRD is working with Dr. Catherine Tarasoff of Agrowest Consulting to consult with private landowners regarding site suitability.
If you would like to receive insects, please contact the TNRD at 250-377-8673.
Check the TNRD website (tnrd.ca) for information about other programs to help property owners fight invasive plants, including a Cost-Share Program, Herbicide Rebates, a New Invader Program and a Sprayer Loan-Out Program.
