5,000 insects released in Amsterdam to stop spread of Japanese knotweed
The Dutch government has released 5,000 Japanese leaf fleas in Amsterdam in an attempt to stop the spread of the invasive Japanese knotweed. Knotweed spreads rapidly and can cause damage to buildings, pipes and roads. Laboratory tests suggest the leaf fleas, known as Aphalara itadori, can kill young shoots and potentially stop the plant growing by sucking up its sap.