When most people think of pests they think of rats, spiders, fleas and termites.  But what about weeds?  They are the most common pest and destroy more than just your garden.  Weeds kill native plants, insects and even animals.  They sometimes go unnoticed because of their ability to blend in, or even more because of their ability to stand out with beautiful flowers.  Most people don’t associate flowers with weeds which is why they are the sneakiest pest of all.  Usually pest control companies don’t take care of weeds.  But luckily residents of Joondalup have Pest Control Joondalup who take care of wasps, possums, snakes, fleas and weeds!  They are the best company for any pest need.   Here are a few examples of weeds in Australia and why they need to be kept at bay.

Winter Grass

Winter Grass is a weed that hits many areas around Australia.  Controlling this weed is essential because it is a prolific seeder and will kill other grass and takeover whole lawns.  It flourishes in summer then dies right back in winter leaving dead and dry lawn.  It returns in the warmer months and produces even more seeds killing every other plant in its path.

Broadleaf Weeds

The most common broadleaf weeds are dandelion, cat’s ear, lamb’s tongue, chickweed and dock weed, the weeds are found in lawns and gardens.  Broadleaf weeds, like the name suggests, have broad leaves that hug the ground.  It is important to get onto these weeds as its easier to kill young plants than mature ones.  But you need to be careful as mowing or snipping these weeds only stimulates them and makes them flourish even more.  Its best to get a professional in to eradicate the problem.

Bindii

Bindii’s come under many different names and flourish all over the world.  They are a low growing weed that penetrate and area where grass grows.  The weed is often found on ovals or in backyards and is most often noticed when stepped on.  It has thin spiky needles that prick and stay in your feet or hands.  They are painful but not harmful and can usually be killed with a herbicide.

Patterson’s Curse

Patterson’s Curse produces a beautiful purple flower so is often left to flourish.  It needs to be brought under control as it is detrimental to both plants and animals.  It tends to overcrowd the environment it is in and suppresses and kills native vegetation.  It grows rapidly in fields and is poisonous to livestock, it also decreases the value of grain and hay it has infested.  The hairy leaves and stems also cause irritation to the skin of people who touch it and a lot of people are allergic to the pollen.

Capeweed

Capeweed is a sprawling, stemless herb that germinates during autumn and winter.  Like Patterson’s Curse it produces flowers, capeweed flowers are solitary yellow flowers with blackish purple central disc florets.   They look similar to daisies but spread much faster.  They compete with crops, are resistant to herbicides and cause nitrate poisoning in sheep.

Cape Tulip

Introduced from Africa this pretty weed is a long stem with 6 pink flowers protruding from in.  Although it is poisonous to livestock it is often avoided by them unless there is no other grazing options.

Blackberries

Blackberries are delicious and a favored fruit by many Australian people, but if the plant is not controlled it has many negative impacts.  Blackberry bushes grow densely and restrict access to areas, this often happens around bodies of water preventing animals from drinking.  Blackberries reduce the growing capabilities of other crops and plants.  Blackberry bushes suck nutrients and moisture from the ground and are unpalatable for animals.  The bushes are also highly flammable once they die.

These weeds and many others grow fast and flourish in Australia.  They are harmful to native plants and animals and often are confused with flowers.  Although not all only have bad traits they still need to controlled and dealt with quickly to avoid spreading.

Picture Courtesy of Pest Control Joondalup