The Balsam plant can only reproduce if it flowers and sets seeds therefore effective control is achieved by cutting below the lowest node or joint. It is often required that the cut material is removed from site and composted. It may also be necessary to carry out hand pulling plants where access is restricted, in which case care is taken to remove the plant and root so that re-growth is avoided.
A three year contract with Cornwall Wildlife Trust in association with Natural England is proving successful at removing this invasive plant from one of their sites of special scientific interest within Cornwall.