Since 2005, hundreds of workshop participants have gathered to receive insects to battle yellow starthistle, spotted knapweed, and diffuse knapweed.All over the state of Idaho noxious weeds are invading private and public lands, destroying native habitat, and choking out desirable vegetation. In an effort to battle this growing threat, regional professionals have been traveling across Idaho conducting biological weed control workshops.

In each workshop, participants are shown a colorful power point presentation, explaining the process of biological weed control (bio-control). The presentation focused on the biology of the target weed, the weed’s natural predators, and how to collect and monitor those insect agents.

After the yellow starthistle workshops, participants were given an opportunity to collect Eustenopus villosus (seed head weevil), photo at left, and Larinus curtus (flower weevil) to take and release on their private lands.

Why Do We Need BioControl? As weeds were introduced to America, by accident or as ornamental plants, their natural enemies were not brought across the ocean. With no natural predators, these weeds grow large and plentiful, choking out native plant species.

Getting Agents Here... After years of insect collection, in-depth research, and litigation, insects have slowly been introduced in the United States to manage weed populations. This process takes anywhere from 4-7 years.

Locally efforts are underway to make these insect available to landowners. Insects for yellow Starthistle and spotted knapweed are collected annually and supplied to land owners. Contact the District if you are interested in receiving insects.