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Hydrilla Killer: How to Effectively Kill Hydrilla

March 28, 2013

Hydrilla is a submerged plant commonly found in ponds and lakes throughout the United States. The plant is an invasive species that originated in Southeast Asia and, once it becomes established, quickly grows over other plants species in its area and starts to harm fish and wildlife. Hydrilla can grow up to one inch per day, and a single stem from the plant can reach lengths of 25 feet.

There are measures you can take to help ensure your local ponds or lakes are not overrun with hydrilla.  Here are two effective hydrilla killers:

1. Remove and kill the hydrilla manually. Use a lake rake to collect large bunches of the hydrilla, or cut the stems of the hydrilla with a pair of hedge clippers. Try to cut as much of the plant free as you can as even small parts of the plant left in the water will grow back quickly. 

2. Use an herbicide in the pond or lake. To start, find a hydrilla herbicide specifically designed to be used as a hydrilla killer. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and make sure the product won’t negatively affect swimming, fishing, and other activities. 

Regular manual removal and herbicide application is an effective hydrilla killing methodology. To assist your efforts, procure a small boat in order to get at the Hydrilla from the water and distribute the herbicide more effectively. 

For more information, please read our hydrilla control article.