Building a DIY Wick Applicator for Targeted Herbicide Application

A wick applicator lets you brush concentrated herbicide directly onto weeds without spray drift. You can make one using PVC pipe as a reservoir and wand, with a 3/4-inch soft braided nylon rope as the wick. A rubber cone washer at the end of the pipe holds the rope in place and prevents leaks. The rope wicks herbicide from the pipe to the weed foliage.

While DIY is possible, commercial wick applicators are inexpensive and readily available online. They're especially useful for treating weeds taller than desirable plants, such as in crop rows or groundcover beds. Always wear gloves and follow herbicide label instructions when using any applicator.