If prevention is no longer an option, the cures that are available are mechanical, biological, and chemical. As noted above, mechanical is not normally the best option. Sometimes however, it may be the only one left. If there is so much of the plant material available, that chemicals are no longer a viable option, and the pond or lake owner has become resigned to the fact that he will have to mow his lake on a regular basis just as he does his lawn, that may be the only viable option.

There is only one biological option at present. That is the use of Asian Grass Carp. It is illegal to posses dipoloid grass carp in Texas, but Tripoloid Grass Carp are available. These are sterile fish which consume hydrilla, and many other plants as well. To use this method, you must get a permit from the Texas Parks And Wildlife Department. Escape is a potential hazard, so a barrier will have to be installed.

Chemical control is often the best option, especially if the infestation is just beginning. There are a number of chemicals on the market that can do a good job. These include Endothal based contact herbicides, and Diquat based contact herbicides.

Some hydrilla facts: Hydrilla is able to reproduce from fragments at a higher than 50 percent rate. Hydrilla is has tubers which can survive dormant for years. A small fragment of vegetation can become a lake full in a short time if it goes undetected. It is illegal to transport.