How do you get rid of prickly pear cactus?

When I transplanted mine I put on gloves, pulled up some of the plant and laid in on the ground in a dry place with mostly morning sun putting just a little dirt around it. The plant will also root by laying the plant on the ground. New roots will form under each piece - it is easy to start them. Although they look dead in the winter, they bounce back. (I had a hard time getting mine to bloom until someone told me I needed a male and female).