Mowing/Cutting
This method works for large populations of bolting plants. Cut stalks at ground level to eliminate seed production. Stalks with siliques can still form viable seed.
Prescribed fire
In forest communities adapted to fire, a prescribed burn can help control large infestations and stimulate native plant growth. Always follow state and local regulations and safety protocols. Managers need an approved plan and a permit from the Illinois EPA. Explore an Introduction to Prescribed Fire and more resources for implementing a prescribed fire.
A mid-intensity burn in the spring is most effective. A handheld propane torch can also be used for spot treatments. Fire will remove leaf litter and prompt seeds to germinate. You can treat the new seedlings with herbicide to deplete the seed bank faster.
- Early spring burns target basal rosettes and bolting plants but can harm early wildflowers.
- Late spring burns target new seedlings and basal rosettes but can damage actively growing plants.
- Fall burns can reduce basal rosettes.
Chemical control
Herbicide can be a low-cost, low-labor option for large infestations. Always read and follow product labels before use. Avoid impacting desirable plants with herbicide overspray. Apply enough herbicide to wet foliage, but not so much that it drips off.
Anyone who applies pesticide on public lands must be licensed. Learn more from the Pesticide Safety Education Program.
Use products with Glyphosate or Triclopyr to treat basal rosettes and bolting plants. Apply in early spring or fall. Late applications, during or after flowering, can reduce viable seed production but are not entirely effective.
Concentrations
- Glyphosate, 1% to 3% v/v diluted in water.
- Triclopyr, 1.5% v/v diluted in water.
Deer exclusion
White-tailed deer move seed and avoid eating garlic mustard, so infestations can increase herbivory pressure on native plants. This can reduce native plant abundance and allow garlic mustard to increase in dominance. Exclude or manage large deer populations when removing garlic mustard.
Biological control
Researchers continue to explore if European aphids that feed on garlic mustard can be used for control.
No management
Long-term monitoring has provided some evidence that long-standing garlic mustard populations, at least 50 years old, may be self limiting and could decline without management. These findings are not well supported.