Effective Treatments for Integrated Managemetn of Nonnative Invasive Plants

Miller, James H.; Manning, Steven T.; Enloe, Stephen F. 2010. A management guide for invasive plants in southern forests. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS–131. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 120 p.

A successful nonnative invasive plant management program usually involves a combination of treatment methods based on these and other available tools and resources:

1. Herbicidal methods with selective and broadcast applications
2. Manual methods using hand tools
3. Mechanical methods using equipment
4. Cultural methods such as prescribed burning, water-level control, planting, and seeding
5. Biological control methods that range from prescribed grazing to introduction of biological control agents such as insects and pathogens that feed solely on target weeds
6. Mulching and solarization methods

Many methods are available to manage invasive plants and rehabilitate your site, and more are under development. A successful plan of attack depends on integrated management that considers all methods relative to the site and its invaders. These methods will be presented in greater detail.

Safety First

Safety is always a top priority when working in the difficult situations often presented by invasive plant infestations and treatments. As your first line of safety, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for a specific task. A task as seemingly simple as surveying a site requires PPE. The following are examples of PPE-based invasive plant management tasks:

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment by Task (herbicide applications must follow the label specified on the PPE’s)

Task	Rubber Boots	Hard Hat	Leather Gloves	Eye Protection	Safety Boots	Shin Guards	Hearing Protection	Neoprene Gloves	Appropriate Chaps	Rubber Apron
Surveying		X		X	X
Mechanical Control			X	X
Stem Injection		X	X	X	X			X
Cut & Treat		X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Mixing Herbicides	X			X				X	X	X
Applying Herbicides	X			X				X	X
Girdling		X		X	X		X	X
Required safety items for the field include a separate water container for washing, along with soap, paper towels, and trash bags as well as ample drinking water and a fully stocked first-aid kit.

Application of Herbicides

Adhere to the following precautions for safe application of herbicides:

• Take copies of all herbicide labels and material safety datasheets (MSDS) to the application site.
• An eyewash station is required for flushing accidentally splashed or sprayed herbicide from eyes.
• Take a change of clothes to the application site in case your clothes become contaminated and immediately wash off any herbicide spilled or sprayed on you.
• Always wash your hands and face thoroughly before eating, smoking, and when leaving the site.
• Always wash contaminated clothes and any clothing worn during spray applications separately from other garments.
• Adhere to any worker entry restrictions following treatment and worker notification requirements specified on the labels.

Transportation of Herbicides

Adhere to the following precautions for safe transport of herbicides:

• Be sure containers are not damaged before loading or during transport.
• Take only the amount of herbicide, water, and adjuvants you need for the day.
• Do not transport herbicides in the passenger section of a vehicle.
• Do not transport herbicides in the trunk of passenger cars or in trucks with wooden beds. Use a trailer to transport herbicides when using a car.
• Secure all containers with ropes and straps to keep them from moving around. During the trip, check the containers periodically to be sure they have not shifted or spilled.
• At the application site, keep herbicide containers out of the sun. If you leave the containers in your vehicle, park in the shade. Place removed containers in shaded, cool areas. Direct sunlight can overheat herbicide containers and build pressure inside the containers. Use a tarp to shade exposed containers during transport and onsite storage.

Herbicide Spill Procedures

Follow these procedures for safely handling a spill:

• If an accident during transport results in a minor spill, administer first aid at once to anyone who may have been injured.
• Confine the spill by digging a dike around the spill area. Always take a shovel with you when hauling herbicides.
• Soak up the herbicide with an absorbent material, such as that used in automotive garages, or with clayey soil.
• Dispose of the contaminated absorbent as you would excess herbicide by spreading it on a treatment area unless local laws specify otherwise.

If a major spill occurs, follow the procedures given above and then call the manufacturer’s helpline printed on the herbicide label. The manufacturer’s helpline representative will tell you which authorities to notify and what further actions to take.

Remember to take to your application site a copy of the herbicide label and the MSDS provided to you at the time of purchase or found online by product name search. This is a State requirement. The herbicide label has many application details while the MSDS has more uniformly presented details, including the manufacturer’s name; an emergency phone number; chemical ingredients in the formulation and their properties; health and fire fighting hazards; accident response measures; proper methods for handling, storage, transportation, and disposal; exposure controls and personal protection; and regulatory information. If an accident involves a person’s physical exposure to a herbicide, the physician will need a copy of the MSDS.