By Scout Nelson
The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has announced field days in Billings County to collect flea beetles that eat leafy spurge, an invasive weed. These insects are helpful in managing leafy spurge on both public and private land.
Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring encourages landowners interested in using flea beetles for weed control to attend the events. All beetles collected during the field days are shared equally among participants. These beetles can then be released on their own property to help reduce leafy spurge naturally.
The field days are scheduled for:
- Tuesday, June 17 at 10 a.m. (MDT)
- Thursday, June 26 at 10 a.m. (MDT)
Both events will be held along Franks Creek Road, north of Fryburg. To reach the collection site from Belfield, drive 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 85, turn west onto Franks Creek Road, and continue for another 14–15 miles. Signs will guide attendees to the location. A pickup truck or 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended due to rough terrain.
More field days in other counties are being planned, but details are still in progress. All participants are asked to help collect the beetles using sweep nets, if available, and to bring a cooler with ice packs to safely transport them home.
The event is co-hosted by the North Dakota Department of Agriculture and the local county weed boards.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education, General, Sustainable Agriculture