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N.D. (AP) — More than 900,000 flea beetles that eat leafy spurge were distributed during recent field days in Billings, Grant and Stutsman counties.

Leafy spurge is one of North Dakota’s most problematic weeds. The state Agriculture Department and county weed boards set up the field days so people with spurge problems can collect the bugs from established populations.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says the beetles have proven to be an effective biological control tool.

Other options to combat leafy spurge include herbicide application, sheep or goat grazing and cultivation.

Cover photo courtesy of mtwow.org.