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Experts are handing out beetles to eat the annoying air potatoes in your yard

This beetle might be the first line of attack against this invasive plant.
Credit: iStock / Getty Images
A stock image of an air potato.

PALMETTO, Fla. — If you're finding parts of your yard getting overwhelmed by vines and leaves, it could be a problem coming from the invasive air potato plant.

Experts in Manatee County say the pesky plant grows more quickly than you can get rid of it. And, it causes frustrating shade over surrounding plants. So, what to do about it?

Experts are turning to nature to do the work for you, calling upon the air potato beetle.

The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences will host an event where you can get the beetle to help rid the plant from your property.

The air potato challenge will begin at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the Manatee County Extention Office.

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