Page 32 - FWG December Issue 2025

Gardening

PARROT’S FEATHER WEED CONTROL

WITH NATURAL BEETLE SOLUTION

arrot’s Feather Weed Control is
an important topic for anyone
concerned about the health of
Pwetlands and waterways. This
invasive aquatic plant, originally from
South America, has spread across many
South African water bodies, forming thick
mats that disrupt native ecosystems.
Understanding how to manage it naturally
helps protect biodiversity and maintain
healthy water systems. Lysathia larva on Parrot’s Feather Weed. Lysathia beetle on defoliated Parrot’s Feather Weed.

Why Parrot’s Feather is a problem
Parrot’s Feather Weed (Myriophyllum
aquaticum) might look decorative, but it is
highly invasive. It grows rapidly, creating
dense floating mats that:
• Block sunlight, smothering native plants
• Reduce water flow and increase flood risk
• Provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes
• Lower water quality impacts fish and bird
life Parrot’s Feather Weed at FWG. Parrot’s Feather Weed.

Traditional methods, such as hand-pulling
or herbicides, often fail because the plant What to expect during implementation Lysathia beetles demonstrates how natural,
regrows stronger each season. When Lysathia beetles are introduced to an environmentally friendly methods can
area: have a big impact on wetland health. By
Smarter, natural solution • Parrot’s Feather may turn brown or appear supporting biological control, you help
Biological control offers a sustainable ragged restore biodiversity, improve water quality,
way to manage Parrot’s Feather Weed. • Thick mats along water edges gradually and create thriving aquatic ecosystems.
Tiny insects called Lysathia beetles have a thin
natural appetite for this plant. They: • Open water and other aquatic plants start Through our Life and Earth division, Life
• Eat leaves, causing visible damage (“shot to return Green Group offers professional invasive
holes”) aquatic weed management services,
• Feed inside stems and leaves as larvae, It’s important to avoid using herbicides or including Parrot’s Feather Weed control
weakening the plant disturbing areas where beetles are released, using safe biological methods. Our
• Gradually reduce the plant’s ability to to give them the best chance to establish. team works with clients to implement
grow, allowing native vegetation to return sustainable solutions that are cost-effective
How you can help protect wetlands and environmentally responsible.
This method is safe for humans, pets, fish, Communities can contribute to Parrot’s
and other indigenous plants, making it Feather Weed control by: Learn more about our environmental
an environmentally friendly alternative to • Avoiding the dumping of pond or services and contact us today to discuss
chemicals. aquarium plants into waterways how Life and Earth can help protect and
• Keeping pets away from release areas restore your waterways. Together, we can
How biological control works • Participating in monitoring programs, maintain healthy rivers, dams, and wetlands
Using a pest’s natural enemy to control it is reporting changes, and taking photos for generations to come.
called biological control. It is:
• Safe and self-sustaining This approach offers an excellent
• Cost-effective over the long term opportunity for schools and families to
• Non-disruptive to ecosystems learn about real-world ecology and the
importance of wetland conservation.
Over time, repeated feeding by Lysathia
beetles collapses the Parrot’s Feather mats, Restoring wetlands with natural
giving native wetland plants a chance to solutions
grow naturally. Parrot’s Feather Weed control using

Fourways Gardens • 30 • December 2025