This video was sourced from Natural Resources Clemson Extension

Before you start, ensure:

• you have the right safety equipment
• the weather conditions are good, that is, a sunny day
• all pets and children are safely away from the area
• you have read and heeded all of the herbicide labels and equipment manuals

The equipment you will need is:

• hat, safety eyewear, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, covered footwear
• chemical resistant gloves, face shield, mask, impervious apron
• herbicide, knapsack and measuring containers.

Herbicide mixing

Estimate the amount of mixture you will need - be conservative. It is easier to mix up more herbicide than it is to dispose of excess mixture.

Add the required amount of water to your sprayer. Then, measure out the required amount of herbicide. (The quantities are available on the APVMA off label permit.)

Add the herbicide to the water. Seal the lid tightly and agitate the sprayer to mix it through thoroughly.

Spraying

Spray close to the target plants to a reasonable distance avoiding drifting or splashing of the herbicide, potentially killing other plants. Ensure the breeze is not blowing any spray particles onto plants you value.

Spray to cover all leaves and stems to the point of visible wetness. Be systematic to avoid spraying the same area twice.

Ensure the treated area is not disturbed for 24 hours to allow herbicide uptake.

Clean up

Step one
Any left over mixture must be disposed of in a pit that has been prepared with lime or wood ash. The pit must be situated at least 50 metres away from watercourses.

Dig a hole. The size of the hole depends on the amount of herbicide left over and the equipment rinsings but must be a minimum of 15 centimetres deep.

Place some lime into the hole and mix with the soil. Then cover the bottom of the hole with one centimetre of lime.

Step two
All equipment and empty containers should be triple rinsed to remove all traces of herbicide. Pour any left over herbicide and all rinsing from equipment into the hole.

Cover the hole with at least 15 centimetres of soil. Finally, cover the area to prevent children and pets gaining access.

All herbicides and other hazardous materials should be stored in their original containers out of the reach of children and pets.

More information

For more information send an email to the Invasive species team.