Correctly identifying a weed is essential for several reasons. It allows for the most effective control method to be identified and targeted measures to be implemented. 

Accurately identifying weeds can also help prevent the unintentional removal of native plants.  

If you can’t identify the weed, ask an expert: 

• Talk to people experienced in weed management within your local area, including local subject matter experts 
• Search Florabase using the Search the Western Australian Flora page 
• Contact the Pest and Disease Information Service 
• Consult social media groups/forums such as the Weeds of Western Australia Facebook Group 
• Upload an image to iNaturalist or iNaturalist Australia - a global online community for naturalists that provides a species occurrence recording tool and a crowd-sourced species identification system
• Refer to the Weeds of Australia Fact Sheet Index (Queensland Government) for identification information and photos on over 1000 weeds
   

Summaries from DBCA's species-led prioritisation process outline ecological impacts and invasiveness rankings for individual weeds. This aids landholders, community groups, local governments and private enterprises in managing weeds that have the potential to impact the natural environments they are managing. Weed impact and invasiveness ratings are available on the Weeds management page.

Preventing the spread of weeds into an area is the most effective method of dealing with weeds. This is followed by the early detection and eradication of new weed invasions before they become too widespread and control becomes technically and/or financially impossible. 

For widespread weeds, the best approach is to develop a site specific detailed Integrated Weed Management (IWM) Plan. This process involves conducting a detailed site assessment to identify the weed species you are dealing with, the infestation area and density and the non-target species and environment. This assessment will help you understand the estimated costs and time involved in sustaining weed management efforts.  

Eradication can be unachievable or prohibitively expensive on large properties and where re-invasion is a strong possibility, particularly with mobile and persistent species, such as those with long dispersal capabilities and large, long-lived seed stores. 

IWM accepts that: 

• One control method on its own will not necessarily control that weed
• To achieve control, there needs to be a selected and coordinated use of several methods

Combining different control methods reduces the chance of weed species adapting to the control techniques, for example by developing herbicide resistance. This approach also allows you to use herbicides sparingly and effectively, reducing their impact on non-target species and the environment.  Available control methods include:  

• Physical/mechanical control: removing weeds by hand pulling, felling, mowing, mulching, grubbing, grazing and steam weeding. 
• Cultural/managerial control: using methods such as fire, revegetation, mulch cover and good weed hygiene. 
• Biological control: releasing a weed's native natural enemy, such as insects or disease. 
• Chemical control: using different methods to apply chemicals, such as herbicides. 

Follow-up monitoring and control is an essential aspect of the success of any weed management program. The lack of follow-up can often be the major cause of failure in successfully tackling weeds. 
 

The following must be considered when planning a chemical weed control program: 

• How will you manage spray drift and non-target damage? 
• Occupational Health and Safety factors, particularly in relation to appropriate training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• What are your legal requirements relating to chemical use, potential for pollution and impacts to native vegetation? You must apply for a permit when undertaking weed control in bushland areas that contain threatened flora and/or threatened ecological communities
• Are you conducting control near waterways? Yes? Refer to Herbicides: guidelines for use in and around water (PDF 271KB)

For more information, refer to Herbicides: knowing when and how to use them (PDF 197KB).

Spraying off label in bushland

If you wish to use a chemical at a different rate to that recommended on the label or apply chemicals to species not listed on the label, refer to one of the following minor use permits:

• Minor Use Permit # 13333 - this permit allows persons to use products as specified in the permit in designated jurisdictions and for specific species.  
• Minor Use Permit # 92452 – This permit allows persons to use products in the manner specified in the permit in designated jurisdictions to control declared plants in Western Australia.  

If the species is not listed on Minor Use Permit # 13333 or # 92452, contact the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for more information. 

Note – always ensure you check the expiry date of the permit. 

• The Introduced Flora of Australia and Its Weed Status - provides a comprehensive list of introduced plant species in Australia, with information on their weedy status here and worldwide. This information can also be used to help you work out the potential of plants chosen for revegetation projects, landscaping, and gardens to become weedy and threaten our bushland. 
• Weeds Australia - Website for the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS), providing information on WoNS strategies, resources and comments. 
   

• The Weeds Society of WA Inc (WSWA) - A professional organisation that brings together research scientists, extension officers, consultants, company representatives, conservationists, other practitioners and members of the public who have an interest in weed management.
• The Urban Bushland Council WA Inc. (UBC) - the peak community organisation for urban bushland recognition and protection, is an association of more than 70 community groups with a common interest in the conservation and management of urban bushland. The Council is an incorporated, voluntary, non-government organisation. 
• Australia’s Invasive Species Council – a national committee made up of people from a diverse range of backgrounds. They all share a passion for the Australian bush and a desire to protect it from damaging invasive species.

• Natural Resource Management (NRM) in Western Australia - The State NRM Program team is responsible for coordinating and supporting the delivery of the Western Australian Government's State Natural Resource Management (NRM) Program by supporting community groups with information and grant funding. 
• National Landcare Program - The National Landcare Program is a key part of the Australian Government’s commitment to protect and conserve Australia’s water, soil, plants, animals and ecosystems and supports the productive and sustainable use of these valuable resources.