avoid spraying non-target plants. This treatment is generally considered to be less effective than the cut-stump and basal bark methods. The cut-stump method is most useful when treating single plants. This method consists of thoroughly covering the stump of a recently cut plant with herbicides, such as glyphosate and triclopyr. The effectiveness of this treatment is increased by cutting a hole into the surface of the stump. Use of this treatment when the plant breaks the dormant stage as well as when the ground is frozen is advised against as it greatly reduces effectiveness. The basal bark treatment consists of application of herbicide to all basal parts of the plant below 12-15 inches. The bark must be thoroughly wet with herbicide for this treatment to be most effective. The USDA suggests that 25% triclopyr and 75% horticultural oil is the most effective herbicide composition for basal bark treatments. The first known biological control of privet is the privet lace bug (Leptoypha hospita), which has been deployed in New Zealand. Agencies working to control privet The Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds (FICMNEW) engages with public and private organizations in the effort to combat noxious and exotic weeds, including Chinese and European privet. Privet is monitored by the US Forest Service's Invasive Species Program while the National Park Service deploys Exotic Plant Management Teams. Each team has jurisdiction over ten national parks and works with local volunteers, contractors, and service organizations. These agencies work to eliminate, contain, and/or remove privet because many areas invaded by privet, such as the Piedmont floodplains, are important areas of biodiversity, carbon storage, and resource production. See also Invasive species in the United States Environmental issues in the United States References Ligustrum Invasive plants Flora invasive in North America