| Eradication of Hydrilla can be very difficult to achieve | | | | Often, the most effective method of Hydrilla control is |
| once a population is established. As with most aquatic | | | | through Biological means. Grass Carp are most readily |
| weeds, there are biological, chemical, and mechanical | | | | accepted form of Hydrilla eradication. A selective |
| means of removal. Mechanical removal can be | | | | aquatic plant eater, the Grass Carp prefers Hydrilla |
| attempted in smaller bodies of water by netting and | | | | over other pond plants, and will specifically target them |
| physically removing the weed. While it may seem | | | | as a food source. This makes a wonderfully effective |
| effective, repopulation is a major concern with this | | | | control method for larger ponds where other attempts |
| method. Disrupted tubers will quickly regrow, and may | | | | have been unsuccessful. Always be sure to check |
| actually quicken the infiltration of this aquatic weed. In | | | | local ordinances before releasing non-native species |
| larger bodies of water, mechanical removal is not | | | | into large bodies of water. Grass Carp are available in |
| recommended, as it can be far too tedious, and will | | | | a sterile form to satisfy the requirements of some |
| likely not help. | | | | localities. |
| Chemical control can be attained using a variety of | | | | Depending on the size of the pond or water feature, a |
| herbicides with varying degrees of success. In smaller | | | | combination of the above-mentioned control methods |
| ponds, a dying agent can be added to the water, | | | | will generally produce the best results. In smaller ponds, |
| effectively robbing the Hydrilla of usable sunlight. If kept | | | | dye products tend to produce a satisfactory result, |
| up on, this can be a very effective control method. In | | | | while larger ponds will require a biological control for |
| larger ponds, this may prove cost prohibitive, and many | | | | long-term success. Unlike most nuisance plants, the |
| dyes are not approved for use with food fish. Hydrilla | | | | Hydrilla is not effected by mechanical control. They |
| can also be quite resistant to herbicidal control, | | | | often bounce back thicker and stronger, as the seeds |
| particularly copper based products. Often, the herbicide | | | | and tubers will quickly repopulate the area. Grass Carp |
| will harm all other aquatic life before the pesky Hydrilla | | | | can be a pond owners best friend in the battle of this |
| is affected. With most Chemical controls, the seeds | | | | aquatic nuisance. They provide a long-term |
| and tubers are not affected, leaving them to | | | | maintenance solution, as well as a fast action quick fix. |
| repopulate when suitable conditions resurface. | | | | |