Typha spp.
Non-Herbicide Management Options
1. Physical Management Options
Cattails can be mechanically removed by digging up the rhizomes and removing them from the pond. Cutting off the tops of the plant will not kill them. The rhizomes are under the soil and care must be taken to remove all of them. This option usually only works when cattails first invade an area. Once established, they are difficult to control mechanically. Although, frequent mowing has been effective in some cases.
2. Biological Management Options
There are no available methods for biological control of cattails at this time.
HerbicideControl Options
Always read the product label for directions and precautions, as the label is the law. Click on the name of the product to see the label. Read the label for specific water use restrictions.
The active ingredients that have been most successful in treating Cattail include:
- Diquat (Rated: Good)
- Glyphosate (Rated: Excellent)
- Imazamox (Rated: Excellent)
- Imazapyr (Rated: Excellent)
These ratings are based upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers aquatic herbicide trials.
1) Diquat:
Diquat is a contact algaecide and herbicide. Contact herbicides act quickly and kill all plant cells they come in contact with.
Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:
2) Glyphosate
Liquid glyphosate formulations have been effective on cattails above the water line, but ineffective on plants in the water. They are broad spectrum, systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will have to be added to the glyphosate solution for good results.
Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:
3)Imazamox
Imazamox is a broad spectrum, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (a substance that will release the surface tension) is needed for application.
Common Trade of product names include but are not limited to:
4)Imazapyr
The active ingredient, imazapyr, inhibits the plant enzyme AHAS (acetohydroxyaced synthase). Habitat is a systemic herbicide that is effective on post-emergent floating and emergent aquatic vegetation. Imazapyr is effective at low-volume rates and does not contain heavy metals, organochlorides or phosphates, making it safe to humans and livestock. Habitat requires the use of a spray adjutant when applying on post-emergent vegetation.
Common trade or product names include but are not limited to:
Precautions
One danger with any chemical control method is the chance of an oxygen depletion after the treatment caused by the decomposition of the dead plant material. Oxygen depletion can kill fish in the pond. If the pond is heavily infested with weeds, it may be possible (depending on the herbicide chosen) to treat the pond in sections and let each section decompose for about two weeks before treating another section. Aeration, particularly at night, for several days after treatment may help control the oxygen depletion.
One common problem in using aquatic herbicides is determining area and/or volume of the pond or area to be treated. To assist you with these determinations see SRAC #103 Calculating Area and Volume of Ponds and Tanks.
Many aquatically registered herbicides have water use restrictions (See General Water Use Restrictions).
To see the labels for these products click on the name. Always read and follow all label directions. Check label for specific water use restrictions.
Cultivation Options
Cattails can be propagated by transplanting the rhizomes to areas of moist soil next to permanent water. They are best transplanted in the winter before new growth starts. However, cattails can be an aggressive invader of ponds.
Questions?
If you need assistance, contact the Ag & Natural Resources agent in your county or hire a professional.
FAQs
Cattails can be mechanically removed by digging up the rhizomes and removing them from the pond. Cutting off the tops of the plant will not kill them. The rhizomes are under the soil and care must be taken to remove all of them. This option usually only works when cattails first invade an area.
How do you control cattails in a pond? ›
If you want to control cattails, you will need to disrupt the root system through cutting, hand-pulling, dredging, flooding, freezing, or chemical herbicides. One treatment is seldom sufficient.
How do I get rid of cattails without killing my fish? ›
Natural methods such as manual cutting or pulling, introducing natural predators and the use of specialized equipment like the Aquatic Vegetation Groomer can be effective in controlling cattails. Chemical control can also be an effective method, but it should be done with caution and under professional guidance.
Why are cattails bad for ponds? ›
At the same time, cattails can also be a nuisance species, especially within smaller ponds. As cattails have a large rhizome system that is capable of rapidly expanding within shallower water depths, they can easily encroach upon a small waterbody.
What kills cattail roots? ›
A systemic herbicide like Shoreline Defense will kill the cattails down to the root to prevent the plant from re-growing. The roots of pond cattails are the most difficult part of the plant to kill, so allow the mixture to absorb into the plant for one to two weeks.
What eats cattails in ponds? ›
Muskrats, nutrias, beavers, crayfish, some fin fish, and Canada geese are some of the animals who eat cattails leaves and rhizomes.
When should you spray cattails? ›
Late summer or early fall is the best time to kill cattails, Lotus lily and other emergent plants that are on the pond's edge or are above the water. Spraying herbicides this time of year will kill the entire plant and it will not regrow next spring.
Can cattails purify water? ›
The stems catch and slow water and help trap sediment and silt. Cattail roots harbor microorganisms that help break down organic materials. New research shows that cattails can also remove polluting materials from the water surrounding their roots.
Should I cut down cattails? ›
Timing is everything if you decide to mow or cut your cattails. Cutting them in May stimulates growth, so wait until late summer if you are only going to cut once. If you cut the cattails below the water line two or three times in a season, very few cattails will grow back the following year.
What helps cattails survive? ›
As you would expect from a marshland species, cattails need a lot of moisture to thrive, and this is the most vital element of their care. The soil should be kept wet, which is why they do best in areas where this happens naturally. These plants can thrive in standing water.
In addition, cattails are a source of oxygen and help to regulate the temperature of the water. However, if left unchecked, cattails can become invasive and overtake a pond, reducing the diversity of plant and animal life.
How deep are cattail roots? ›
Growth Characteristics: Broadleaf cattail is an erect, rhizomatous, semiaquatic or aquatic, perennial herb. The stout rhizomes, which are located 3 to 4 inches below the soil surface, grow up to 27 inches in length and are typically 0.2 to 1.2 inches in diameter.
Do cattails attract mosquitoes? ›
However, it's important to note that cattails can attract undesired wildlife like muskrats and geese, and mosquitoes are also attracted to the stagnant water where cattails grow. They also produce a significant amount of organic mass from their growth.
How to control cattails in a pond? ›
Cattails can be mechanically removed by digging up the rhizomes and removing them from the pond. Cutting off the tops of the plant will not kill them. The rhizomes are under the soil and care must be taken to remove all of them. This option usually only works when cattails first invade an area.
What eats cattail plants? ›
Cattail shoots and rhizomes are a primary food source for muskrats and are also eaten by geese and humans.
How do you remove invasive cattails? ›
Mechanical removal involves the use of an amphibious excavator to dig out the cattails by the roots. Plant material is placed on a sled which is pulled out of the work area so that the material can be deposited on site or hauled away. Mechanical removal of cattails provides instant, long-lasting results.
How deep of water can cattails grow? ›
of water in marshes and other wetlands throughout most of the world. Cattails adapt in a variety of interesting ways: They can live in fresh or somewhat brackish water, and can live in up to 2 feet of water or grow in floating mats.
How do you get rid of reeds in a pond? ›
Physical Management Options. Common reed can be cut and the rhizomes can be dug up. Physical control is difficult because it can re-establish from remaining seeds or rhizomes. Frequent mowing is sometimes effective for the control of Common Reed.
