Weevils used in the Milfoil Solution® process are produced in one of our regional culture facilities, transported to the project site and stocked by EnviroScience biologists. Important project considerations include:
- stocking early in the season as weevils prduce 3 or 4 generations per summer,
- programs are custom-designed based on the extent of milfoil infestation.
Each Milfoil Solution® project involves a monitoring component designed to establish baseline conditions and document progress over the course of the multiple year program. This monitoring portion involves:
- an initial survey of the milfoil beds to be stocked (stem density counts, determination of indigenous weevil populations, if applicable).
- site marking using differential GPS technology
- initial stocking by EnviroScience personnel
- late season follow-up survey
- annual progress reports
Follow-up surveys are an integral part of the program used to document the increase and spread of the weevil population and changes in the plant community.
The goal for all Milfoil Solution® programs is to establish a self-sustaining weevil population that keeps milfoil below nuisance levels. Once a self-sustaining population is achieved, management costs drop significantly and only occasional monitoring of the weevil and milfoil levels should be necessary. Long-term monitoring is an important component for any milfoil management program and should be considered when deciding on a management strategy.
