Preemergence herbicides are helpful in reducing establishment of spotted spurge if they are applied in late winter before weed seeds germinate. There are no selective herbicides that will control spurge once it is established. If planting new containers, be sure to use sterilized or weed-free planting mix. When purchasing container plants or stock for ornamental beds, avoid those with spotted spurge infestations. Preemergence herbicides will control spotted spurge if applied before emergence of the weed.
Mulches can effectively limit spotted spurge if they prevent light from reaching the seed.
Hand-pull seedlings that escape preemergence herbicide treatment or poke through mulches before they mature and produce seed. Citrus Spotted spurge is not controlled by the preemergence herbicides commonly used in commercial citrus orchards. It grows around drip emitters and low volume emitters and provides a habitat for insects that clog the emitters. Cultivation is not a viable option for control in citrus as it disturbs the shallow root system of the citrus, but a shallow scraping of the soil with a shuffle hoe may provide control. Spot treatments with the postemergence herbicide glyphosate can remove infestations, but retreatment is usually necessary every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season.