Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/19/2007

Question
Do you know any possible way of getting rid of cactus in the yard. They are taking over the yard. They grow wild here in Mason County (Havana Illinois). I am looking for a natural way besides digging them all up. There is way to many to do that.  

Answer
Dawn,

The only way I know is to introduce a bug called Cactoblastis cactorum, which in time will kill the plants. This moth has been used in South Africa and Australia to kill prickly pear cactus. See: http://tc.iaea.org/tcweb/abouttc/strategy/thematic/pdf/summary/Summary_report_ca...

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg