How to Get Rid of Hitchhiker Weeds

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Hitchhiker weeds are the pesky plants that attach to you and probably leave their mark, literally. If you’ve ever walked through tall grass or a field and come home covered in small, clingy burrs or seeds, you’ve encountered these stubborn weeds. 

While they may seem like a minor nuisance, hitchhiker weeds like Beggar’s Lice, Burdock, and Cleavers are following a biological directive to help them spread to new areas. 

If you don’t handle them properly, they will quickly spread and take over your garden or yard.

Here, you’ll learn how to remove them from your clothing and pet fur and how to get rid of them like an expert to prevent them from spreading in your landscaping. 

Ways to Get Rid of Hitchhiker Weeds

You can eradicate hitchhiker weeds for good using these methods:

1. Clean Up To Prevent Spread

Cleaning up is one of the most important ways to consider when you want to get rid of hitchhiker weeds. It’s easier to gather the seeds and dispose of them correctly to avoid contamination and spread. 

Here are some tips on how to clean up and prevent the spread of the weeds:

After working in affected areas:

  • Brush off clothing and shoes in an indoor setting. A fine tooth comb or scraping tool can help remove the seeds on clothing.
  • Check and groom pets.
  • Wash tools, equipment, and farm vehicles to prevent the spread of the hitchhiker seeds.
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Mark the areas where the weeds are present and ensure that you repeat the process every time you work in the affected areas.

2.  Hand Pulling

Hand-pulling is an effective approach to eliminate hitchhiker weeds
Hand-pulling is an effective approach to eliminate hitchhiker weeds. Image: canva/barbara

The first step is to identify them. Look for distinctive leaf shapes and flower or seed pod development. Pulling them before they go to seed reduces future spread.

Here are the steps to follow:

  • Wear gloves and long sleeves.
  • Pull from the base to remove the root.
  • Do this when the soil is moist for easier removal.
  • Bag and discard. Don’t compost burr-producing plants.

It is vital that you remove and dispose of the weeds carefully to avoid spreading them. Remember, these plants are prolific seed producers and a few plants can multiply quickly and overtake your yard in one to two months.

3. Regular Mowing

Keep grassy areas trimmed. Mowing prevents hitchhiker weeds from reaching the flowering and seeding stage. The mowing height may differ depending on the weed. 

Just make sure to clean your mower after use to avoid seed spread.

4. Apply Natural Herbicides

There are numerous natural herbicides you can apply to remove the weeds. The most common is the vinegar, salt, and dish soap solution.

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Here is what to do:

  • Mix a gallon of white vinegar with a cup of salt and a tablespoon of dish soap. 
  • Mix the ingredients well and transfer to a spray bottle
  • Spray directly on the weeds (ensure they are drenched) during the warmest part of the day.

The weeds will dry out and die after a few days. Remember to use caution near other plants as it could affect desirable vegetation if you accidentally spray them. 

5. Apply Chemical Herbicides 

The quickest and most effective way to get rid of hitchhiker weeds is by chemical herbicides. The recommended herbicides include 2,4-D, dicamba, MCPA, triclopyr, and glyphosate. 

Ensure that you:

  • Use a weed killer labeled for the specific species.
  • Read the label and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use a foam applicator for better precision. 
  • Spray the chemical in the right weather conditions to avoid drifting to other plants.

Some hitchhiker weeds are stubborn to remove and may require several herbicide applications. Therefore, repeat the application where necessary for the best results. 

6. Improve Lawn Health

Keep your lawn healthy to avoid spread of hitchhiker weeds
Keep your lawn healthy to avoid spread of hitchhiker weeds. Image: Canva/svproduction

Improving your lawn’s health is a preventative measure that can provide long-term hitchhiker weed control. Thick, healthy grass naturally outcompetes weeds.

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Here is how to achieve a healthy lawn:

  • Grow a turf grass best suited for your area.
  • Fertilize regularly.
  • Overseed thin spots.
  • Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.

Also, mow the lawn short infrequently to avoid weakening the turf and creating bare patches that could encourage weed growth.

Final Thoughts

Hitchhiker weeds may be small, but they’re tenacious. With a consistent strategy including early detection, physical removal, and monitoring, you can stop them from spreading and reclaim your outdoor space.