To control opuntia (prickly pear cactus) introduce the cactus moth (cactoblastis cactorum) it eats the plant entirely and can also be used to produce silk fabric. However, prickly pear cactus fruit is very edible. Soft juicy and sweet when fully mature. Use tongs to harvest both fruit and pads and roast over a fire to burn away tiny thorns before eating..your friend from America