Bugs battle invasive Delta water hyacinth | News

STOCKTON, CA - It's a problem every summer in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta when the weather turns warm.  A plant called water hyacinth floats in, attaches itself to shore, and spreads like a weed.

PHOTOS: Water hyacinth in the delta

"It comes in really small, gets stuck with water weeds, and grows, and it grows, and it grows," said Adrian Wood of Tiki Lagun Marina.

This year, the state of California is trying something new to get rid of the hyacinth.  The Department of Food and Agriculture is spending about $50,000 to release thousands of insects that thrive on and destroy hyacinth.  Water hyacinth plant hoppers are being let loose in San Joaquin and Sacramento counties where hyacinth is rapidly spreading.

"If you don't have a strainer, you can't get it (the water hyacinth)out.  If you're not aware, you can overheat and blow your engine," said delta boater Scott Nelson.

The state traditionally sprays chemicals on the hyacinth as well each summer.  But spraying by the Department of Boating and Waterways hasn't yet started. 

By tdaly@news10.net