Controlling invasive spotted knapweed biologically has initiated an unexpected ecological chain reaction. Gall flies, introduced as a control measure, have turned into a vital winter food source for deer mice, causing a surge in their populations and an uptick in hantavirus spread. Areas dense with knapweed report more infected mice than those with native grasslands. Controlling invasive spotted knapweed biologically has initiated an unexpected ecological chain reaction. Gall flies, introduced as a control measure, have turned into a vital winter food source for deer mice, causing a surge in their populations and an uptick in hantavirus spread. Areas dense with knapweed report more infected mice than those with native grasslands.
