Biological control can feel overwhelming at first, but getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. This checklist provides a step-by-step framework for planning and implementing an effective biocontrol program. Whether you’re a land manager, weed professional, or simply exploring biocontrol for the first time, you’ll learn what to expect, what decisions need to be made, and how to move forward with confidence.
Follow each step at your own pace, use the resources provided along the way, and by the end you’ll have a clearer path toward selecting, releasing, and monitoring biocontrol agents on your site. If you need more clarification or help at any point, visit our FAQ.
If you're new to weed biocontrol, begin with the Biocontrol Explained page to explore its history, safety, and appropriate use. Discover how scientists identify and test biocontrol agents, why the process is carefully regulated, and what realistic success looks like in the field. This page provides the foundation for understanding weed biocontrol and may change how you think about long-term weed management.
Biological control programs follow a series of connected steps that work together to produce long-term weed management results. Visit the Components of Weed Biocontrol page, where you'll learn about the core components of a successful biocontrol program, including site selection, agent choice, proper release, monitoring, and integration with other weed management tactics. The practical guidance, examples, and resources given will help you plan your approach more effectively and avoid common challenges .
Once you've determined that biocontrol is an appropriate tactic for your weed infestation and understand the basic components of a weed biocontrol program, continue to the Weeds page to explore information specific to your weed species of interest. This page highlights weeds currently targeted for biocontrol in North America and provides curated resources describing their biology, ecology, and management considerations. Use these materials to better understand how your target weed grows and spreads so you can begin planning a more effective and informed program.
If you're new to plant management or uncertain about identification, visit the Basic Plant Identification page for helpful terminology, visual examples, and practical guidance. Learning to confidently distinguish your target weed from similar species is crucial for successful long-term management.
Next, visit the Biocontrol Agents page to learn which agents are approved and available in North America for your target weed. This page connects you to resources describing each agent's biology, ecology, and impacts. Exploring these materials will help you make informed decisions as you plan releases and set realistic expectations for outcomes over time.
If you're new to working with insects, mites, or pathogens, the Basic Biocontrol Agent Identification page provides helpful terminology, visual examples, and practical guidance to help you distinguish your biocontrol agents from similar species and other organisms you may encounter in the field. Developing confidence in identification will support accurate monitoring and strengthen the success of your program.
Explore the Resources section to access how-to videos and publications designed to guide you through implementing a weed biocontrol program. These materials provide practical instruction, real-world examples, and science-based guidelines tailored to many weeds and biocontrol agents established in North America. They'll help deepen your understanding, support planning and training efforts, and provide trusted references you can return to throughout each stage of your program.
Visit the North American Biological Control Program Directory to find biocontrol specialists near you and get support for implementing your weed biocontrol program. The directory also highlights state, federal, and private researchers working on specific weed biocontrol systems across North America, which can help you build partnerships and find the resources you need to succesfully manage or expand your biocontrol efforts.
After obtaining and releasing approved biocontrol agents according to local recommendations, record your release details using either the iBiocontrol app or a downloadable PDF release form. The iBiocontrol app allows you to quickly capture release locations, dates, agents, and site conditions directly in the field, automatically linking your data to maps and program databases. Alternatively, the PDF form can be completed manually and submitted to your local or state weed biocontrol specialist for entry into tracking systems. Whichever method you choose, documenting your biocontrol releases is an important step that enables managers and researchers to assess establishment success, measure impacts, avoid duplicate releases, coordinate regional and national programs, and improve future management decisions.
Monitoring is an essential component of every successful biocontrol program, helping you understand agent establishment and impacts over time. We recommend using the Standardized Impact Monitoring Protocol (SIMP) to consistently track changes in weed populations and ecosystem response. SIMP is available as a free mobile app or as downloadable field forms on its dedicated webpage, making it easy to collect reliable data and contribute to long-term evaluation of biocontrol efforts.
© Developed by the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia
