Bugs used to control spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed can be dangerous to native plants.
“There is nothing underneath it. These plants will release a chemical to allow nothing to grow underneath it,” says Jeffrey Pettingill, Bonneville County weed superintendent.
In order to control the spread of spotted knapweed, the Bonneville County Weed Control Department uses a bug known as a root weevil to help kill the plant.
“(The larva) will burrow into the plant and down into the root and it will feed off the root all winter long,” says Pettingill.
Spotted knapweed is one of Montana’s worst weeds, and because of this weed there are lands deemed no value and even taken off tax rolls.
To contact the Bonneville County Weed Control Department click here
