Control Wild Rice

Wild rice is a native plant that has been treasured for countless years. When it blocks homeowner access to the water, many people ask how to get rid of it. The following options can be considered for how to control wild rice.

Click here to read more about identifying this plant.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove wild rice, physically cutting the rice down and digging up the roots can be a somewhat effective method of control. Physical control can be difficult because wild rice will re-grow from any roots or seeds remaining in the area.

Herbicide Control:

Wild rice is very hearty and has presumably adapted to its current growing conditions. Therefore, it is difficult to get complete control of it. There are multiple options for how to kill wild rice that offer some control.

1. Dibrox (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed directly on the exposed plants, fast acting.
2. Spritflo (for ponds with no outflow) – liquid that is poured and spreads throughout the entire body of water, offers extended control.
3. Hydrothol (for lakes) – granules that are broadcast into the water where the rice is growing.
4. Liquid 2, 4-D (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed on the exposed plants and over the water where the rice is growing. Most effective on treatment areas larger than a half acre, this allows longer contact exposure time.
5. Aquathol K/Super K (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed on the wild rice or granules that are broadcast into the water.

Treatment Tips:

When treating wild rice,

• Treat when the plants are established and actively growing, but before the rice goes to seed.
• Spritflo can be used at the first signs of growth.
• Multiple treatments will likely be needed.