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Frequently Asked Questions
<br /> What is a weevil?
<br /> The milfoil weevil (Euhrychiopsis Lecontei) is a small, native, herbivorous aquatic beetle that specializes in
<br /> feeding on milfoil plants, especially Eurasian watermilfoil. It completes all life stages, egg to adult, fully
<br /> submersed in the water.
<br /> Will weevils harm humans or become a nuisance? ��� y���- •�
<br /> No, weevils cannot harm you and will not become a nuisance to ``�� �
<br /> you. They stay on the milfoil, since that is their food source. They ;, ;.���$ '
<br /> � are very small and go virtually unnoticed. b �':°� �`F <���'�'����_ �
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<br /> How long will it take to achieve lake-wide milfoil control? bi a _ �"''�;" �� �,"
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<br /> Many factors play a role in determining the time needed for control, � � � :��a;� hi
<br /> including lake size, quantity and density of the milfoil, and the c` ,�. � _;;,�,� °�"� �'n'.',�; `�'`��
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<br /> number of weevils stocked. However, EnviroScience has found that J -
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<br /> in most stocked lakes, lake-wide control (not eradication) has been � �4^I � Y�. `- � "`� �' �.
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<br /> achieved in three to five years. ���"�;'• +r�Y ;� �' y�. « -�
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<br /> Can I still treat my individual property with herbicides? we�°;`5`�'�y S;tes
<br /> We ask that property owners refrain, if possible, from treating with herbicides for the following reasons.
<br /> Herbicides can alter our data by potentially changing the plant community in the test areas, making it difficult
<br /> to determine the milfoil weevil's effectiveness in controlling the milfoil. Also, algaecides containing the active
<br /> ingredient copper can kill the milfoil weevil. If you feel it is necessary to treat your individual property, please
<br /> ask the company responsible for the treatment to limit the use of copper-based algaecides.
<br /> �_�-�' �� � Will the weevil affect other aquatic ptants?
<br /> � ��'- �"` Milfoil weevils prefer to feed on milfoil only and tend to have
<br /> �" a preference for Eurasian watermilfoil over the native Northern
<br /> ���`kF=' { � �� • , watermilfoiL Aquatic plant surveys will be done before and after
<br /> � weevil stocking to assess if other species of aquatic plants were
<br /> � �,. harmed. The plant surveys will be performed by an independent
<br /> ,�` '� third party, Blue Water Science.
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<br /> f� < If weevils already occur in a Lake, why do more need to be
<br /> added?
<br /> c�ed;t:Ro5°rt�.�or��o�,,�o��e<<��;�e�s;ty Native populations are typically sparse and unable to keep up with
<br /> the rapidly growing milfoil. By stocking large numbers of weevils all the same age in close proximity, the newly
<br /> emerged adults will easily find each other to mate. Those adults can lay eggs for the next generation or two,
<br /> which will hatch and begin damaging nearby healthy milfoil. This enables more rapid lake wide expansion of the
<br /> weevil population.
<br /> Further Reading
<br /> • "Milfoil Weevil Bio-Control Study," MCWD project web page. http://minnehahacreek.org/Weevit5tudy
<br /> • "The Milfoil Weevil — the Long Term Solution for Milfoil Controt," EnviroScience Web Page.
<br /> http://envirosciencei nc.com/the-mi lfoil-weevi l
<br /> • "The Milfoil Solution," EnviroScience report on successful weevil projects.
<br /> http://enviroscienceinc.com/whitepapers/MilfoilSolution.pdf
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