USDA Deploys Killer Mites to Tame Tumbleweeds Nationwide
Published Date: 9/15/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is giving the green light to release a tiny mite called Aceria salsolae to help control the pesky Russian thistle (tumbleweed) across the central and western U.S. This natural solution aims to reduce the spread of this invasive weed without harming the environment, and permits for releasing the mite will be issued soon. Farmers and landowners can expect fewer tumbleweeds, making land management easier and potentially saving money on weed control.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Expected reduction of Russian thistle infestations
APHIS states the release of Aceria salsolae is likely to help control invasive Russian thistle and will reduce the severity of infestations in the central and western United States. Russian thistle currently infests about 41.3 million hectares (100 million acres) in the western U.S. and causes millions of dollars in damage, so affected farmers and landowners may see fewer tumbleweeds and easier land management.
Federal approval to release mite
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact and will issue permits to allow field releases of the mite Aceria salsolae in the contiguous United States. APHIS published this notice in the Federal Register on September 15, 2026, and will begin permitting releases following the final environmental analysis.
Low risk to non-target plants found
APHIS reports host-specificity testing shows Aceria salsolae has been found only on Russian thistle and is unlikely to attack non-target plant species. Based on the final environmental assessment, APHIS found no significant impact on the human environment and decided a full environmental impact statement is not needed.
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