Pond Weed Control for Creeping Water Primrose

Negative Impact for Wildlife

• A number of problems are associated with the growth of the creeping water primrose on the water surface in ponds and other wetland areas. The plant affects the habitat for plant and animal populations, and it causes economic problems for humans. The impact on plant life comes with the large amount of space the creeping water primrose invades, leaving less room for growth of other plant species. Loss of some plant life may in turn have a negative impact on fish or other animals that feed on these other plants.

Negative Impact for Humans

• The negative impact on human populations comes with wasted time, money and resources. Creeping water primrose can affect water drainage in a way that may demand labor investments in fixing it, especially in places that receive heavy rainfall. It may be necessary to clear narrow water passages that have become blocked with the plant, to work out commercial and private boat routes around it, and to alter hunting patterns that are no longer viable in light of population shifts arising from the plant's affect on food sources. For humans as well as animals, creeping water primrose is not just a nuisance, it is a plant that can have a significant impact on regular activities.

Biological and Mechanical Controls

• Fortunately, there are some methods for getting a problem with the creeping water primrose, or floating primrose-willow, under control. Perhaps the most obvious place to start with pond weed control for creeping water primrose is by actually physically clearing it away. This method of control is effective, but it is also tedious in the time that it takes and if a single bit of the plant is overlooked and remains in the pond, it could begin to grow again. In terms of natural control measures, flea beetles feed on creeping water primrose and can keep it under control if introduced into the environment.

Chemical Control

• Another option for pond weed control of creeping water primrose is resorting to chemical control. Herbicides can be purchased that manage infestations of the plant, but they will not completely eliminate it, and, as the plant thrives year-round, they will have to be applied several times throughout the year. However, this will also be the case for individuals who choose to remove the plant by hand. Overall, the best method of control is using an herbicide in conjunction with practicing regular physical removal of the plant as it is sighted.