Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Doug Goehring Agriculture Commissioner | North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Field days have been scheduled in North Dakota to collect and redistribute flea beetles, which are used to control the invasive leafy spurge plant. The event will take place at a site in Billings County.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring stated that individuals interested in obtaining flea beetles for their property can do so during these field days. "Leafy spurge continues to be one of North Dakota’s most difficult-to-control noxious weeds," Goehring noted. "Using the flea beetles for biological control, as part of an integrated pest management plan, has proven to be an effective tool in combating leafy spurge infestations."
The field days are set for 10 a.m. MDT on Tuesday, June 17, and Thursday, June 26, along Franks Creek Road north of Fryburg in Billings County. Directions from Belfield involve taking U.S. Highway 85 north for 8.5 miles, turning west onto Franks Creek Road, and traveling another 14-15 miles to the collection site marked by signs.
Attendees are encouraged to assist with collecting the beetles and should bring coolers with ice packs for transportation purposes. Sweep nets are also recommended if available.
Additional information and directions can be obtained by contacting local weed control officers. For Billings County inquiries, Katie Dillman can be reached at (701) 218-0113.
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is co-hosting the event alongside county weed boards.
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