One of the reasons we cover our purple loosestrife plants with netting is to keep our beetles in, but the other big reason for the netting is to keep predators out.

In the past, bio control agents were not as thoroughly researched as they are today. An area or country was plagued by an invasive species, and in an attempt to control it, a predator would be introduced. Sometimes, though, that predator became an invasive species itself. Australia and its cane toads are a prime example of this happening.

Fortunately, the two species of Galerucella beetles that we're using are extremely limited by purple loosestrife and need the plant to complete their life cycle.

Unfortunately, (for them and our control purposes) they are also quite tasty.



(This beetle was on one of our uncovered plants that we are using to help collect escapees. Our main beetle population is still safe and sound.)