Stop bindii before it seeds

Published on 27 January 2022

Residents are being asked to contact Horsham Rural City Council if they notice Bindii on Council-managed property and to remove the weed from their own land to help stop its spread.

Director Infrastructure John Martin said while early summer was the best time to control the dreaded weed it was not too late to tackle the problem. 

“With the amount of rain in the Wimmera this week and the generally warm weather since, we have noticed Bindii has really started to take off. Residents may notice patches of the weed starting to form seed pods which cause such a nuisance,” Mr Martin said.

“Council’s Parks and Gardens team has a management plan for the weed which it is currently busily carrying out.  However residents can play a role in helping stop its spread.

“Bindii is very easily spread once the seeds form. The thorns stick to tyres and shoes and spread through parks, nature strips and lawns.

“The weed produces a large hard spiny seed capsule that is capable of penetrating people’s skin, animals’ paws and fur, and vehicle tyres. As most people know, it’s very painful if you or your dog steps on the pod.”

Mr Martin urged residents to take a look around their own properties and the nature strips in their street and if possible dig out the weed.

“If everyone does a little bit close to home and reports larger infestations to Council then together we can tackle the problem. Nobody wants to take their kids and dogs to the local park and not be able to enjoy the amenity because of painful prickles.”

Also known as Caltrop – Bindii originated from southern Europe and is an annual weed that grows rapidly in summer. Bindii can be controlled in a number of ways including hand weeding, chipping and herbicide spraying.

“It’s too late to spray once the seeds have formed so removal is the most effective way to deal with it,” Mr Martin said.

“Council is targeting selected problematic recreation reserves, bike paths and open spaces to complement Council’s existing internal bindii control service but we really need residents’ help to get it under control this summer. People may notice where Council has sprayed the weed, as it starts to go brown and curl up.”

To report larger bindii infestations people should use our online “Lodge a Service Request” system, or contact Council’s reception on 5382 9777.