Unusual hack to detect hidden Japanese knotweed – as dangerous plant could invade your home and cost you thousands

AN usual hack has been devised to detect hidden Japanese knotweed which has cost homeowners thousands of pounds across the country.

The fast-growing weed has been called “the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive” plant by the Environment Agency.

It has a rapidly growing root system that destroys building foundations, causing property values to plummet.

Now it has emerged that National Highways has used specially trained dogs to try and root out the invasive growth while working on the on their M25 junction 10 upgrade.

Fenix the Dutch Shepherd, and Spaniels Nica and Nettle – to root out the havoc-wreaking weed and to prevent it spreading,

The specially trained dogs help by detecting the rhizomes, the underground parts of the plant such as roots, bulbs, and shoots, which when removed prevents any spread or re-growth.

Pippa Jordan from National Highways said:“Conservation plays an important role in our construction projects. Before we start, we create a map of the area which shows nearby plant species allowing us to tackle any invasive species growing on the construction site.

“In this case, we decided to put our paws on the pavement and take a unique approach to tackling the Japanese knotweed. These sniffer dogs are not only adorable, but also incredibly skilled at detecting the presence of unwanted plants, especially those not readily visible.”

When the dogs detect Japanese knotweed, they freeze to alert their handler. This allows National Highways to take swift action to eradicate the plant and prevent further spread.

Kat Janczur – owner and handler at Canine Detection Solutions – said: “The dogs have got the most amazing sense of smell, and they can pick up the scent that Japanese knotweed rhizome gives off into the soil. They’re amazing animals and a great tool in efforts to prevent the spread of these invasive plants on and around the site.”

Kat and the sniffer dogs started on the southern verge of the M25 site with Fenix, the Dutch Shepherd, before back arrived in the form of Nica, a springer spaniel. Each dog can only be worked for 30mins before requiring rest for at least the same time to keep efficiency levels up.

On the second day, Kat and her dog-tectives investigated the A3 northbound verge before heading to Seven Hills Road. This time Fenix was assisted by a young cocker spaniel called Nettle.

All dogs successfully found several areas where rhizomes were located underground. These areas would have been missed until the next season that the plant would have sprouted. Japanese knotweed can lay dormant for up to 20 years, so using detection dogs allowed for a full site clear, regardless of the state of the plant.

It’s also an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, to allow these invasive plant species to spread in the wild, which is why National Highways called in the canine specialists to help solve the issue.