Our Hydrilla Treatment Approach
We use a strategic, science-based approach to effectively control hydrilla while protecting the surrounding ecosystem. Key steps include applying specialized aquatic herbicides (e.g., Fluridone, Endothall), stocking grass carp, and preventing spread by cleaning equipment.
1. Prevention (Crucial Step)
- Clean, Drain, Dry: Before leaving a water body, clean all fragments off boat trailers, motors, and gear. Drain live wells and bilge water, and dry equipment to prevent transporting tubers or fragments.
- Do Not Move Plants: Never transplant hydrilla or knowingly move infested fish or aquatic plants to new waters.
2. Site Evaluation
We begin with a detailed assessment of your pond or lake to determine hydrilla density, water depth, flow, and environmental conditions.
3. Targeted Treatment Plan (Most Effective)
Based on the evaluation, we develop a customized treatment plan using EPA-approved aquatic herbicides tailored to your specific waterbody.
- Systemic Herbicides: Use systemic herbicides like Fluridone (Sonar), Penoxsulam, or Imazamox to kill the plant, including roots and tubers. These are best applied early in the spring.
- Contact Herbicides: Use contact herbicides such as Diquat, Endothall, or Copper complexes to kill the plant on contact.
- Application Strategy: Apply in small doses, often over 21-28 day intervals, to prevent the plant from reaching full maturity.
- Timing: Apply in early spring when plants are less than 12 inches tall.
4. Mechanical and Physical Management
- Mechanical Harvesting/Cutting: Use machines to cut and lift large mats of hydrilla. This provides immediate relief for boat traffic, though it does not eradicate the plant and can spread fragments if not contained.
- Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH): Divers pull the plants and roots out by hand while vacuuming them up, which is effective for small, new infestations.
- Benthic Barriers: Install physical mats or barriers to shade the bottom and prevent growth.
- Water Drawdown: Lower water levels to expose hydrilla to freezing temperatures (in cold climates) or drying, which can kill roots.
5. Biological Control
- Triploid Grass Carp: Stocking grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is an effective long-term strategy, as they eat the vegetation.
- Permits: Note that using grass carp is highly regulated; you must secure state permits before stocking.
6. Monitoring and Maintenance
- Repeated Treatment: Hydrilla is persistent, requiring constant monitoring and re-application of herbicides or mechanical efforts for 3-4 consecutive years to achieve eradication.
- Use Testing: Use tools like the FasTEST assay to measure herbicide concentration (e.g., Sonar) to ensure it remains at levels that will eliminate the plant
Benefits of Professional Hydrilla Control
- Restores balance to your aquatic ecosystem
- Improves water clarity and oxygen levels
- Enhances recreational use of your pond or lake
- Protects property value and aesthetics
