Himalayan Balsam

I remember someone asking about this a while ago, but unfortunately i can't remember who.

This is growing near us in the river Stour. We reckon it's around 15' high.

 

What is the best way to get rid of Himalayan balsam? It grows back with cutting, spraying kills everything and then it seems to come back from the seed bed even stronger the next year!
I've even bought two goats to try to combat it, but they're wimps and won't get in about the rough stream edges to eat it.
Any tips?

 

For this year now , cut it back and don't let it seed.

From spring it's easy enough just to pull the seedlings out or hoe them up.

As long as you start early in the season it's not too hard to keep on top of, as it's only an annual.

 

Ok, thanks, we will just keep at it then!

 

Dont even let it flower. If it does you'll miss one and bingo...more seeds!

Dont let your goats eat it neither. Swallow a seed or too and bingo....the cycle is complete from the other end!