Chemical Sprays That Will Kill Parrot's Feathers in Ponds

Herbicides for Parrot’s Feather

• Aquatic herbicides containing diquat, 2,4-D or endothall as the active ingredient are effective at controlling parrot’s feather. Diquat and endothall are fast-acting contact herbicides that kill the plant cells it comes in contact with. Endothall herbicides, however, can pose a threat to fish and you must take caution when using this product in ponds with wildlife. In a similar manner, 2,4-D in granular form is a systemic herbicide that -- once absorbed -- will move throughout the plant. Systemic herbicides typically work slower than contact herbicides but don’t require direct contact to kill all portions of the plant. Check for aquatic herbicide restrictions in your area before applying.

Application Instructions

• Every type and brand of aquatic herbicide contains instructions designed for that specific pesticide. Following these directions prevents damage to nearby desirable plants and reduces the chance of harm to aquatic wildlife. For example, 1 cup of aquatic herbicide containing diquat as the active ingredient diluted in 12.5 gallons of water will kill the annoying pondweed. Add 1/2 cup of an aquatic herbicide wetting agent to reduce surface tension and improve the effectiveness of the chemical spray. Cover the parrot’s feather with the spray liberally but avoid applying it to the point of runoff. A second application may be needed two weeks after the first treatment.

Other Management Options

• Raking the parrot’s feather out of the pond will get rid of the plant and is best used on small infestations only. However, these invasive plants can regrow via any remaining plant parts or roots left behind. Another option for control is adding non-toxic pond dyes to the water. These products shade the water and block sunlight, which reduces plant growth. Unfortunately, pond dyes don’t discriminate against desirable and undesirable plants and can disrupt the pond’s natural food chain.

Considerations and Precautions

• Take care when killing large infestations of parrot’s feather with aquatic herbicides. Even herbicides designed for use in ponds with fish can still cause harm if not used properly. Furthermore, as the plants begin to die and decay, the amount of oxygen in the pond will deplete, which poses a threat to aquatic wildlife. Managing one small section of weeds at a time helps prevent this from occurring. Also, muddy and murky water reduces the effectiveness of diquat herbicides.