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Field days slated to collect spurge-eating insects

First field day scheduled for June 24th near Fryberg

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Leafy spurge flea beetle (Apthona spp.). Photo courtesy of USDA.
Leafy spurge flea beetle (Apthona spp.). Photo courtesy of USDA.
“Leafy spurge continues to be one of North Dakota’s most difficult-to-control noxious weeds,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Using the flea beetles (pictured above) for biological control, as part of an integrated pest management plan, has proven to be an effective tool in combatting leafy spurge infestations.” (USDA photo)

BISMARCK, N.D. – Field days have been scheduled at multiple North Dakota sites to collect and redistribute flea beetles that eat leafy spurge.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said persons interested in acquiring the flea beetles to release on their own property can collect them from established populations at the field day sites.

“Leafy spurge continues to be one of North Dakota’s most difficult-to-control noxious weeds,” Goehring said. “Using the flea beetles for biological control, as part of an integrated pest management plan, has proven to be an effective tool in combatting leafy spurge infestations.”

The field days are scheduled as follows:

  • Billings County – 10 a.m. MDT, Thursday, June 24 and 10 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, June 29 – Franks Creek Road north of Fryberg.
  • Billings County – 10 a.m. MDT, Thursday, July 1 at Wannagan Creek Road north of Medora.
  • Grant County – 10 a.m. MDT, Tuesday, June 22 – Heart Butte Scout Reservation on Lake Tschida.

Other counties are planning field days but complete details have not yet been finalized.

All attendees are asked to help collect and all beetles collected are distributed evenly.

Attendees should bring a cooler with ice packs to transport the flea beetles, and are asked to bring sweep nets if they have them.

More information and specific directions to field day sites are available by contacting the applicable local weed control officer:

  • For Billings County, contact Katie Dillman at (701) 218-0113.
  • For Grant County, contact Merlin Leithold at (701) 220-7908.

The field days are co-hosted by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the weed boards of the respective counties.

— North Dakota Department of Agriculture

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