Watershield leaves in hand close up

Control Watershield

Many people ask how to get rid of watershield. The following options can be considered for how to control watershield.

 

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove watershield, physically pulling this plant and digging up the roots can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. Watershield can re-grow from any seeds or roots remaining in the water.

 

Herbicide Control:

There are multiple options for how to kill watershield that offer great or some control.

  • Liquid 2, 4-D (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the plants. Most effective on treatment areas larger than a half-acre, this allows longer contact-exposure time. This offers the best control.
  • Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed over the plants.
  • Spritflo(for ponds with no outflow) – liquid that is poured and spreads throughout the entire body of water, offers extended control.
  • Semera or Flumigard + surfactant (for ponds or lakes) – granules that are dissolved and mixed or liquids that are mixed and diluted with water and sprayed over the plants (early morning is best), fast-acting.

 

Treatment Tips:

When treating watershield,

  • Treat in early summer before the slimy gelatin coating develops on the leaves and stems.
  • With Imox or other systemic herbicides, treatment is most effective when the plants are mature or close to full grown. This allows for more plant surface to spray enough mixture on.
    • Treat in late summer to early fall to get better kill of the root systems. At this time, plants are pulling energy into their roots to store for the winter.
  • Spritflo can be used at the first signs of growth.
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