Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas - National Park Service

this guide. When visiting a natural area, be alert for invasive species.
If you see some, notify the agency or organization responsible for
managing the land. Before you leave, avoid carrying “hitchhiking”
plant material by taking time to brush seeds from clothing and shoes
and remove plant material from boats, trailers and other items.
Herbicide Use
Taking action against invasive plants involves consideration of the
various tools and techniques available for each plant and situation
including site conditions, time of year, and resources available.
Secondary and unintended consequences of control should also be
considered, for example, if plants are pulled up, soil disturbance
could bring more weed seed to the surface or facilitate invasion by
additional invasive plants. The goal is to achieve effective long-term
control and eventual restoration using approaches that pose the least
risk of harm to people, especially those conducting the work, and to
the environment including non-target plants and wildlife. And the
bottom line is that the target species will be successfully controlled
or at least reduced to a manageable level. This approach is referred
to as integrated pest management (IPM) and sometimes integrated
vegetation management (IVM). Often, the most effective method
may be to do nothing at all until a suitable safe and well-thought-out
tactic can be found.
Each method comes with its own set of risks. Cutting tools like
pruning snips, hatchets, saws, weed whips, and mowers work great,
but if not used with proper technique and care, can lead to serious
injury. Use of herbicides poses additional risks and requirements
associated with mixing, application, rinsing, disposal and storage.
In order to avoid harm to yourself and others, to non-target plants
and animals (including pets), and to the environment, especially in
the case of an accidental spill, it is imperative that you are properly
and sufficiently trained. No one should be applying herbicides
without full knowledge about: 1) reading a pesticide label; 2) what
the requirements for applying pesticides in your state are; 3) how to
contact the company if there are questions about using the product; 4)
how to measure the concentrate; 5) what type of personal protective
equipment (PPE) is required during mixing and application; 6) what
type of application equipment is recommended and most appropriate
to your situation; 7) calibration of spray equipment, 8) rinsing and
cleaning sprayers; and 9) disposal of unused mix, concentrate and
containers.
Pesticide use by homeowners on their own property requires that
the pesticide be allowed for residential use and that the product is
not a Restricted Use pesticide, meaning it can only be applied by
12