Eradication may be possible in two to three years unless your site is being colonised by seeds from further upstream.
Chemical control - you must only spray during the growing season when there is green leafy material present and most of the plants are visible. You must use one of the approved range of Glyphosate based herbicides according to the Code of Practice and the instructions on the label. There must be a minimum of one spray of Glyphosate in one growing season before the plant flowers and sets seed. Spot spraying must be undertaken unless the plants grow in a dense sward. Regularly monitor the plants for signs of re-growth during the period of your agreement. Further spraying is allowed and may be necessary to kill seedlings, do not spray until the seedlings/plants are visible.
If you are planning to use a herbicide in or near to a watercourse SEPA must agree to the operation prior to spraying. If spraying on, or near, a designated area, SNH must agree to the operation prior to any spraying. Spot spraying should be undertaken unless the plants grow in a dense sward - otherwise non-target plants will be affected. Spraying must be carried out when most of the plants are visible; this will vary due to the environmental conditions and the geographical location of the site. Annual follow-up spraying must be undertaken to kill seedlings.
Cutting/mowing/strimming - this must only be undertaken before the plant reaches the flowering stage. Cut at ground level using a scythe. Cutting must be repeated annually throughout the period of your agreement until no more growth occurs.
Pulling - Any germinating seedlings can be pulled up. The roots must be pulled up with the plant.
Grazing - Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season and must be continued until no new growth occurs.
Disposal - Plants must only be composted or burnt when seeds are not present. Following eradication, you must ensure soil which may contain Himalayan balsam seeds is not used until the year following the year where no new seedlings appeared.