SPECIALIST water soldier CONTROL SERVICES

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE WATER SOLDIER USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

treatment & removal

Water soldier can be treated with a suitable aquatic herbicide however mechanical extraction is the best method to completely remove the plant, though care must be taken not to cause seed dispersal during operation.

To find out the best way to control or remove Water soldier and the best time of year to have treatment or eradication carried out get in touch.

WHY IS WATER SOLDIER A PROBLEM?

Being a rapid coloniser and a highly productive species makes control quite difficult. Also, as the leaves float on the water surface, and become slimy in winter, secreting calcium carbonate which makes treatments more difficult.

ABOUT WATER SOLDIER

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Stratiotes Aloides
ORIGIN: Asia and Europe

A submerged aquatic plant with stiff, spiky leaves that grow in rosettes on the water surface, often likened to a pineapple. Water soldier is a good source of food for several species such as dragon flies, however if left to grow will quickly out-compete other native species.

• Plants remain submerged for most of the year.
• Long spiky leaves with serrated edges shaped in a whorl around a single stem.
• Submerged leaves can grow up to 60cm or more with 40cm showing above the water.
• When above water they produce a single 3-petalled white-slightly pink flower.

HABITAT

A rare yet invasive species usually inhabits shallow stagnant waters but can also be found in ponds and still open water such as canals, ditches and wetlands.

IMPACT: MEDIUM

The presence of Water soldier can alter water chemistry, which may harm aquatic fauna and flora. It forms long dense mats that will out-compete native species and inhibit navigation and recreational activities by impeding flow and increasing sedimentation build up. Its serrated leaves may injure recreational water users.

TOXICITY: ZERO

Water soldier presents no physical danger to either humans or animals.