Teton County Weed and Pest District has announced the addition of two new species to the County Declared Noxious Weed and Pest lists following approval from the Wyoming Board of Agriculture. The newly declared species are bulbous bluegrass and species within the Ixodidae family of ticks (hard ticks).
Bulbous Bluegrass
Bulbous bluegrass, a perennial grass native to Eurasia, was first introduced to North America in the early 20th century. It is particularly problematic in disturbed sites and along roads and trails, where it can form dense stands that outcompete native vegetation and reduce forage quality for wildlife and livestock. TCWP encourages the use of integrated weed management strategies to control this invasive species, and residents can visit tcweed.org for more information or to request a consultation.
Ticks and Vector-Borne Diseases
Ticks, specifically those from the Ixodidae family, are known carriers of numerous diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Colorado Tick Fever. The prevalence of tick-borne diseases has been increasing, influenced by factors such as climate change and changes in land use. To address this, Weed and Pest will begin field surveillance of ticks across the state this year, testing them for various pathogens in their laboratory. The public is invited to participate in this citizen science effort by signing up on tcweed.org.
Preventative Measures
To prevent tick bites and the diseases they carry, Teton County Weed and Pest District recommends several preventative measures:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellents.
- Wear loose-fitting, long clothing and tuck pants into socks.
- Walk in the center of trails and shower within two hours of coming indoors.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin and check pets for ticks daily.
For those who find a tick, TCWP offers a submission process for testing related to ecological research. Ticks can be submitted by sealing them between clear tape and an index card or paper, and dropping them off at the TCWP office with a notecard detailing the collection specifics.
For more details on managing and preventing the spread of these noxious weeds and pests, visit the Teton County Weed and Pest District’s website at tcweed.org.
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