— Hundreds of tiny beetles have been released in Banff National Park to try to fight a weed. Known as weevils, they are being used as a biological control agent to kill the Yellow Toadflax, an invasive species that’s taken root throughout the national park. Park said it’s the first time they’ve used a biological control agent in Banff National Park to prevent the weeds from overtaking native plants. “They establish pretty well everywhere, which is really good, and they overwinter.”De Clerck-Floate said their release in Banff National Park is her highest elevation at 1,400 metres above sea level. The park already uses a combination of mowing or hand-pulling weeds, as well as a short list of approved herbicides.

Source: National Post September 27, 2018 16:44 UTC