Multi-species grazing can provide leafy spurge control while increasing ranch profitability by diversifying cattle grazing operations with sheep or goats. Most ranchers do not have the equipment needed for sheep, or are not interested in sheep. Biological control is economically sustainable. Leafy spurge biocontrol agents can usually be obtained or collected for free, and do not require a large investment of money or time to use or maintain. Other tools require a greater investment of resources.
Biological control is ecologically sustainable.
In addition, biocontrol agents are not known to cause any adverse ecological consequences. Aphthona lacertosa eating leafy spurge plant. These factors make biocontrol an attractive alternative for long-term, sustainable leafy spurge management. In addition, biocontrol works well when used with other tools in Integrated Pest Management strategies. It can be used in areas that are environmentally sensitive or difficult to access with sprayers, and as such, can often provide the perfect compliment to other management tools.