Cactus Control

Recommended Herbicides

• The Texas A&M University website recommends the use of picloram for the effective control of cacti. Other herbicides that also help control cacti include 2,4-D. All herbicides are sold under different tradenames. Efficacy is improved when herbicides are mixed with certain other recommended materials and used as directed.

Preparation

• Prepare 2,4-D for application by mixing one part of herbicide with 20 parts of water and three parts of diesel oil. A gallon of this solution effectively covers 14 to 20 cacti like cholla, a tree-like cactus with a mature height of about 8 feet. To prepare picloram, mix together the herbicide with ¼ percent of a surfactant and ¼ to ½ percent of a blue dye. The surfactant helps the chemical adhere to the waxy surface of the cacti and the blue dye makes identification of treated areas easier.

Application

• Use small, pump-up garden sprayers to treat cacti in smaller areas. For larger areas and dense stands, use backpack sprays or cattle sprayers. Fix sprayer with a coarse spray nozzle rather than a mist. Avoid treating cacti during periods of extreme cold or at temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not spray when the plants are moist or wet. Spray enough herbicides to evenly cover all plant areas, fully coating the front and back of cacti pads. Avoid spraying to the point of runoff.

Caution

• Avoid spraying during windy days to help minimize possible drift to desirable plants. Herbicides used on cacti growing under trees like pecan or live oak can seriously damage the trees. Use other removal methods for cacti in these sites. Do not use chemicals within 20 yards of endangered plant habitats, sinkholes or ground fractures as this can contaminate groundwater sources. Check with a county agricultural office for any licensing requirements for the use of recommended herbicides in your area.