Weevils for Weed Control

Published on 11 March 2022

Salvinia is a floating aquatic fern that was brought to Australia in 1952 as an ornamental plant.

Since that time, floodwaters, birds and other wildlife have caused it to spread, with infestations in our waterways becoming an increasing threat to water quality and biodiversity.

The Department of Primary Industries, in partnership with Bellingen Shire’s Invasive Plants Team, have recently been tackling the issue by releasing weevils (Cyrtobagous salviniae) that act as a biological control. This tried and tested method that has been used in Australia since 1980 with impressive results.

If you have Salvinia on your property, and think weevils may be the answer, contact Council’s Invasive Plants Officer on 6655 7300.

Image text: Council’s Invasive Plants Officer, Ashley Donges, harvests Salvinia molesta from a dam in North Bellingen to stock DPI’s biological control rearing facility in Grafton.